Wright named dean of UF's College of Journalism and Communications

December 18, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — John W. Wright II has been named dean of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, Provost Janie Fouke announced today.

Wright has been interim dean of the college since July 2006, when he succeeded Terry Hynes. Wright previously was the college’s executive associate dean since 1999 and associate dean for graduate studies for the six prior years. He joined the faculty in telecommunication in 1982.

“It is truly an honor to be selected as dean of the College of Journalism and Communications,” Wright said. “I am deeply grateful, not just for the support, but for the trust the search committee, faculty, our alumni and friends in the professions and the president and provost have placed in me. Anyone in our field would be humbled by the opportunity to lead one of the premier journalism and communications programs in the nation.”

Wright taught at Purdue University-Fort Wayne and the University of Alabama-Birmingham before coming to UF. He has bachelor’s and masters degrees from the University of Central Florida and a doctoral degree from The Ohio State University. He worked in a variety of positions in radio and television while in high school and college.

Wright co-authored three books, including “Perspectives on Radio and Television” and “Electronic Media and Government.” He was the college’s research faculty member of the year in 1988. Among other major recognitions of his accomplishments, Wright also has been honored for his excellence in teaching. He received a Teaching Incentive Award in 1996 and was recognized three times by the college as Teacher of the Year.

“We are so fortunate that one of the strongest candidates to emerge from our national search is our own John Wright,” Fouke said. “He walks into this position with a broad and deep network of support both locally and nationally. He and his colleagues have a dynamic vision for the college.”