The next Edwin L. Artzt Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication will make a cross-country trek for the new role, bringing with him international expertise that Scott Coltrane, provost and senior vice president, hopes “will significantly expand the global reach of the college and dramatically enhance learning opportunities for our SOJC students.”
In a memo to the campus community, Coltrane announced the appointment of Juan-Carlos Molleda as the new dean. Currently a professor and chair of the Department of Public Relations at the University of Florida, Molleda will start in Eugene on July 1.
“With impeccable academic credentials, Molleda’s commitment to experiential learning, desire to expand doctoral programs and experience with strategic planning made him an incredible fit for SOJC and the University of Oregon,” Coltrane wrote.
At UF, Molleda directs an online master’s degree program in public relations and communication management that helps students acquire broader critical thinking abilities, bolster creativity and develop stronger communication, leadership and business skills. In addition to his work in the Department of Public Relations, Molleda is also an affiliate professor in the UF Center for Latin American Studies and a Fulbright senior specialist.
“I could not be more excited to be joining the accomplished team of the UO School of Journalism and Communication at a pivotal time: the celebration of a century,” said Molleda. “There is great talent and excitement throughout the faculty, staff and students, and the opportunity to work alongside them is a real honor.”
Molleda’s research interests are in global corporate public relations management and public relations practices and professionalization in Latin America. He has introduced to the international academic community the theory of cross-national conflict shifting, perceived organizational authenticity, strategic localization and the social roles of public relations in Latin America.
He also is active in the professional community and is currently a member of the board of trustees of the Institute for Public Relations and a founding member of its Commission on Global Public Relations Research. He serves as Latin American liaison of the Public Relations Society of America’s Certification in Education for Public Relations and a board member of the LAGRANT Foundation.
In the memo, Coltrane expressed appreciation to Julianne Newton, who has served as interim dean.
“I want to thank Julianne Newton for her service as interim dean of the School of Journalism and Communication,” Coltrane wrote. “Her leadership of the school has been an incredible contribution since November 2013.”
—By Tobin J. Klinger, University Communications