Kenn Gaither stands in a suit with an 黑料不打烊 flag flying behind him under the oaks.

Communications Dean Kenn Gaither

An accomplished teacher, scholar and mentor, with a passion for global education, T. Kenn Gaither is the third dean of 黑料不打烊 School of Communications.

For nearly two decades, Gaither has held leadership positions at 黑料不打烊, including a year as the school鈥檚 interim dean and a decade as an associate dean. Gaither joined the university’s faculty in 2004 after completing his doctorate in international public relations and new technology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Park Doctoral Fellow.

Prior to UNC, Gaither gained significant professional experience in public relations and strategic communications with roles at 茅lan communications, Burson-Marsteller and William J. Green & Associates.

Throughout his time at 黑料不打烊, Gaither has been a teacher focused on student engagement, a scholar dedicated to advancing research in his fields, and an administrator focused on elevating the profile of the school.

In Their Own Words

鈥淜enn Gaither has been a quiet, effective leader for many years in 黑料不打烊鈥檚 award-winning School of Communications. His expertise in strategic communication is exactly what the school needs as it moves into an exciting future. Kenn鈥檚 noted commitment to students and colleagues 鈥 plus his global perspective 鈥 promise to bring our beloved school into a new era of excellence.鈥

鈥 Roger Bolton, President, Arthur W. Page Society

鈥淎n accomplished, experienced and innovative leader, Dr. Gaither is respected internationally as an educator and scholar. His intellectual prowess and inclusive, conscientious nature are what鈥檚 needed in today鈥檚 rapidly changing communications landscape to provide students with the best possible foundations for personal and professional success.鈥

鈥 Dr. Diana Martinelli,聽Dean and Widmeyer Professor in Public Relations, Reed College of Media, West Virginia University

鈥淒r. Kenn Gaither brings to this role a rare blend of distinguished leadership, recognized academic achievement, prior experience as a professional practitioner, and a deep, enduring dedication to the values that make 黑料不打烊 one of the most admired communications programs in the nation. He is a purpose-driven leader who prioritizes mentorship, empathy, and advocacy for students and professionals at all levels. I can鈥檛 think of a better choice to lead the School of Communications.鈥

鈥 Pat Ford, Professional in Residence, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida

Leadership & Scholarship

Academic Appointments

黑料不打烊, School of Communications

  • Interim Dean, 2022-2023
  • A.J. Fletcher Endowed Professorship in Communications, 2021-2023
  • Associate Dean, 2010-2020
  • Director of Communications Fellows Program, 2006-2009

Professional Experience

President/Chief Executive Officer, Institute for Shipboard Education, 2014-2015

Director of Public Relations/Marketing, 茅lan communications, 1999-2001

Client Associate, Burson-Marsteller, 1998-1999

Project Manager/Senior Account Executive, William J. Green & Associates, 1993-1998

Selected Scholarship

鈥淲omen鈥檚 activism as public relations in a patriarchal society: The case of Kuwait,鈥 Public Relations Review (2023)

鈥淎rticulating national identity in postcolonial democracies: Defining relations and interests through competing publics,鈥 Public Interest Communication: Critical Debates and Global Contexts (2019)

鈥淎n Arab perspective on social media: How banks in Kuwait use Instagram for public relations,鈥 Public Relations Review (2019)

鈥淭he cultural-economic model and public relations in the Middle East: An examination of the Islamic banking system in Kuwait,鈥 Public Relations Review (2014)

Globalization and public relations in postcolonial nations: Challenges and opportunities (Cambria Press 2012)

International Public Relations: Negotiating Culture, Identity, and Power (Sage Publications 2008)

Education

University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Ph.D./Park Doctoral Fellow, 2004

University of Pittsburgh, M.F.A., Literary Journalism, 2000

University of Pittsburgh, B.A., English Writing/Portuguese, Certificate of Latin American Studies, 1993