Stony Brook University Welcomes Next Dean of the School of Communication and Journalism

Karin Gwinn Wilkins will serve as the next dean of the Stony Brook University School of Communication and Journalism, arriving at the start of the new academic year. Wilkins comes to Stony Brook from the University of Miami, where she served as dean of the School of Communication, a comprehensive academic unit that spans journalism, strategic communication, interactive media, cinematic arts and communication studies. 

“I am delighted to welcome Karin to Stony Brook,” said Carl Lejuez, executive vice president and provost. “Karin is a nationally recognized scholar and exceptional academic leader whose accomplishments have earned widespread respect across the field. She is exactly the kind of ambitious, forward-looking leader we seek to recruit to Stony Brook, and I have no doubt she will elevate an already strong School of Communication and Journalism to new heights.”

As dean at the University of Miami, Wilkins oversaw the school’s ranking rise to nearly the top one percent in the country; strengthened the student experience through additional degree programs, community building, and new study abroad and study away programs; and recruited, retained and supported faculty. She previously spent more than two decades at the University of Texas at Austin, serving in senior academic leadership roles in the Moody College of Communication including associate dean for faculty advancement and strategic initiatives, holding distinguished endowed professorships, and directing multiple interdisciplinary and global programs.

“I am honored to serve as the next Dean of the Stony Brook University School of Communication and Journalism at a moment when journalism, communication and media scholarship and practice are essential to our health, science and civic engagement,” said Wilkins. “I look forward to working with the School’s faculty, students, staff, alumni and partners to advance academic excellence and deepen our public impact.”

An internationally recognized scholar in global communication, development communication and media studies, Wilkins is the author and editor of numerous influential books and articles. Her most recent edited book, Critical Communication Research with Global Inclusivity, was published last year by Routledge. She serves on the editorial boards of several journals, and previously served as editor-in-chief of Communication Theory. She has held extensive leadership roles in national and professional associations, including the Alliance of Schools and Colleges of Communication and Journalism and the International Communication Association.

Wilkins holds PhD and master’s degrees in communication from the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies from Bucknell University.

Wilkins will succeed Stephanie Kelton, professor of economics and public policy, who served as interim dean this past year.

“Dr. Kelton was a highly effective interim dean, who focused on improving the student experience and hands-on learning opportunities, building support through external fundraising, and maintaining the school’s momentum and growth,” Lejuez said. “She has left the SoCJ well-positioned for a seamless leadership transition.”