Wanta is named journalism department chair

Wayne Wanta

Wayne Wanta has accepted the position of chair of the Department of Journalism at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications effective June 1, Dean John Wright announced today.

Wayne currently holds the Welch-Bridgewater Chair in Sports Journalism at Oklahoma State University. He joined the OSU department in 2009 after serving as a professor at the University of Missouri for eight years. He previously was an associate professor of journalism at UF from 1999 to 2001.

Wanta, who served as president of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication from 2006-2007, earned his PhD. and master’s degrees in journalism from the University of Texas and his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin.

“The University of Florida has one of the best journalism and communications programs in the country,” said Wanta. “There are many challenges and opportunities facing journalism education today and UF is very well situated to face these challenges. The Department of Journalism has strengths in both traditional journalism as well as new technologies and I am very excited about helping to lead the program into the future.”

Wanta has published numerous articles, books and textbooks, including “The News & Public Opinion: Media Effects on Civic Life,” a book currently under contract he has co-authored with several scholars including Spiro Kiousis, chair of UF’s Department of Public Relations. In addition to Wanta’s interest in sports journalism, his research also encompasses the media’s effect on politics, public policy and international issues.

“Wayne’s teaching and scholarly experience at three of the nation’s leading journalism schools, combined with his professional experience, personal integrity and commitment to students and faculty, makes him an ideal choice to chair UF’s Department of Journalism,” said Wright. “His interest in sports journalism will also add a new dimension to the College’s teaching and research efforts.”

Wanta also served as executive director of the Center for the Digital Globe at the University of Missouri for five years. “Wayne’s international experience and his work with Missouri’s Center for the Digital Globe will enhance our efforts to strengthen our Center for Media Innovation + Research,” added Wright.

Wanta currently serves on the editorial boards of nine scholarly journals and reviews manuscripts for numerous publications.

He also has established an excellent record of service while at OSU, Missouri and Florida, serving as a member, chair or co-chair for dozens of doctoral and master’s committees and participating on numerous faculty committees.

He was named the recipient of AEJMC’s 2010 Trayes Service Award.

Posted: March 14, 2011
Category: College News