UF associate dean elected president of national advertising academy

April 5, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Associate Dean of Graduate Studies Debbie Treise has been elected president of the American Academy of Advertising.

Over three years starting in 2011, Treise will serve as president-elect, president and immediate past president of the AAA. She currently serves as secretary.

Founded in 1957, AAA aims to advance advertising education. It has more than 600 members, including faculty members, graduate students and advertising professionals. The organization’s president appoints more than 100 members to 15 committees, such as the industry relations and fellowship, international advertising education and publications.

“I was stunned and speechless when I got the e-mail that I won the election,” Treise said.

Treise’s experiences as a college administrator and 18 years of writing advertising copy for television and radio have prepared her for this challenge.

“Debbie has been so good with her own research and experiences that I know she will be a good leader for our organization,” said Pat Rose, AAA’s executive director and past president.

As president-elect, Treise will shadow incoming president Herbert Jack Rotfeld, a marketing professor at Auburn University.

“It will be a learning curve with a lot of listening and learning,” said Treise, who will investigate how to translate academic research into industry practice, among other tasks. “I want continue to build and improve on this already premier organization for advertising scholars and professionals.”