Dean of UNC journalism school to step down in August

Raul Reis, dean of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, will step down from his leadership position Aug. 1. The announcement was made Friday by Magnus Egerstedt, UNC-Chapel Hill’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost.

Reis joined the Hussman School as dean four years ago, coming from the School of Communication at Emerson College.

“His emphasis as a leader has been on building a sustainable, future-facing school that prepares graduates to shape public conversation across emerging technologies, platforms and careers,” said Egerstedt in a statement. “In line with the school’s strategic plan, Raul has prioritized the school’s work to strengthen the student journey, advance technology and innovation and expand research and graduate education.”

Reis is credited with helping the Hussman School establish principles for using artificial intelligence to enhance higher education while equipping students with the new digital tools for a rapidly changing landscape of media.

In its announcement, UNC-Chapel Hill noted that in each year of Reis’ tenure as dean, UNC Hussman won the Hearst National Championship, the most prestigious collegiate journalism award.

Reis was not quoted in the announcement. He did not immediately respond to NC Newsline’s request for comment.

UNC-Chapel Hill Journalism dean stepping down

Reis succeeded Susan King as dean of the School of Journalism and Media. King stepped down from the position in August 2021 after holding the leadership role for a decade. King’s decision to depart followed a national controversy over the hiring of acclaimed journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones.

Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist best known for The 1619 Project, cited interference from Walter Hussman, the school’s namesake donor, in the hiring process and tenure battle. Hannah-Jones ultimately chose Howard University over UNC-Chapel Hill.

Reis will take research leave this fall, according to the university, and return to teaching at Hussman in the spring. An interim dean will be announced in the coming weeks. Classes for the fall semester begin Aug. 17.