UofSC College of Information and Communications names new dean
Posted on: June 5, 2017; Updated on: June 5, 2017
By Megan Sexton, msexton@mailbox.sc.edu
Tom Reichert, professor and head of the department of advertising and public relations at the University of Georgia, has been named dean of the College of Information and Communications at the University of South Carolina.
As dean, Reichert will oversee both the School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the School of Library and Information Science. He will replace Charles Bierbauer, who is retiring as dean after leading the college since 2002.
Reichert, who will start Aug. 1, says he was impressed with the college’s faculty, facilities and programs.
“I’m looking to build upon the wonderful foundation laid by Dean Bierbauer and the faculty. We’ll be focusing on excellent teaching, maximizing our research potential and service to ensure each program is best-in-class while looking for synergy,” Reichert says. “What comes out of this program is mission critical to the country right now.
“You have strong programs enhancing literacy and information skills, which are part of the School of Library and Information Science. And you have journalism and advocacy, with public relations being one of the largest majors within the school. Faculty across the college are working to ensure we have an informed and literate public, and that our students can work with information at the highest levels.”
At Georgia, Reichert is the Athletic Association Professor of Advertising in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. He joined UGA in 2004 and has been department head since 2010. He has taught an array of advertising and communication courses.
Reichert’s research interests include advertising and media content and effects. He’s written or edited seven books about major issues and concerns regarding the uses and effects of advertising on professional practice and culture. His research has appeared in a variety of leading journals in the field including Journal of Advertising, Journal of Current Issues and Research in Advertising, and Journal of Communication. He has worked to build bridges for students and faculty to the professional advertising and public relations communities by spearheading programs such as “AdPR Academy,” “Summer @ the Circus,” and the "Cannes Lions Study Abroad” program.
Originally from Newport News, Virginia, Reichert grew up in Springfield, Missouri, and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri and his master’s and doctorate from the University of Arizona. Prior to joining the faculty at Georgia, he was on faculty at the University of Alabama and the University of North Texas. Reichert is the 2017-18 American Academy of Advertising president-elect.
He and his wife, Jill, have two sons — ages 12 and 9.
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