New Faculty Ryan Hunt
Lecturer, Sports Journalism, Journalism Department
Read Ryan Hunt’s hiring announcement.
What are you teaching in fall 2023?
Sports Reporting (JOU 4313) and Sports Digital Editing (JOU 4930), plus I will have an Innovation News Center (INC) practicum: Sports Features for ESPN Gainesville (JOU 4201).
What is your area of expertise?
Digital sports media. I spent 25 years at Sports Illustrated, specializing on its digital operations. As its co-editor-in-chief from 2019-23, I led its digital strategy — from daily content planning to major-event coverage to franchise development. I oversaw SI’s internship program and made many entry-level hires, so I’m keenly aware of what hiring managers and newsroom leaders are looking for in this rapidly changing sports media industry. My mission is to bring what I’ve learned working in fast-paced newsrooms along side some of the most talented writers and editors in the business to both my classroom and the INC.
Significant other, children, pets?
I met my wife, Gayle, while we were both students at the University of Florida. We will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary next April. Our daughter, Amelia, is entering her second year at UF. She’s a psychology major and is double minoring in mass communications and leadership. She loves Gainesville as much as we do and, yes, she’s very excited that we’ll now be 1,000 miles closer. Our 16-year-old cat Rosey also begrudgingly made the long move from New Jersey.
What excites you most about coming to Gainesville?
The passion, hunger and desire of the students. I was honored to be on the College’s Journalism Advisory Council prior to joining the faculty. The energy during my visits was palpable, and it was one of the biggest reasons I wanted to make this move at this stage of my career. I loved working with talented aspiring writers and editors during my time at SI, and I’m most excited about the opportunity to do it every day at the CJC. Additionally, being able to play golf in January and February does not hurt.
What accomplishments, personal or professional, are you most proud of?
Professionally, that I achieved everything I could have hoped for during my 25 years at Sports Illustrated. I started as an entry level associated producer for what was then known as CNNSI.com in Atlanta in 1998 and worked my way up to the top, becoming co-editor-in-chief in 2019. It was the honor of my career to be one of only 12 people in SI’s prestigious 70-year history to hold its top editorial position.
Personally, that my daughter Amelia chose — with absolutely zero pressure from her old man, honestly — to pursue her dreams at UF and is thriving in Gainesville as a Gator.
What three things don’t we know about you?
- I’m an avid golfer and love watching all sports, but especially college football, college basketball, soccer and baseball. I’ve been to 27 of the 30 current MLB stadiums (only missing Arizona, Cincinnati and the new Texas ballpark) plus 15 other MLB parks that are no longer in existence. It’s safe to say you’ll see me frequently at the Condron Ballpark every spring.
- I have an Emmy award. I was fortunate to be part of the SI/Life VR team that won a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Digital Innovation in 2017 for “Capturing Everest,” the first-ever bottom-to-top climb of Mount Everest captured in virtual reality. My role on the project was helping build out the digital execution for the VR footage.
- I love to travel. My wife and I have visited 42 different countries (Amelia’s close behind at 37). We love experiencing different cultures and eating local foods. Still thinking about the rendang we had in Kuala Lumpur in May.