New dean to lead School of Communication and Journalism

Karin Gwinn Wilkins joins Stony Brook this fall

July 9, 2026

Dear Stony Brook Faculty and Staff,

Please join me in welcoming Karin Gwinn Wilkins as the next dean of the Stony Brook University School of Communication and Journalism. Her appointment is effective this fall and is the result of an extensive national search led by a dedicated search committee.

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.

Dr. Wilkins currently serves as dean at the University of Miami's School of Communication, a comprehensive academic unit that spans journalism, strategic communication, interactive media, cinematic arts, and communication studies.

In that role, she oversaw the school's ranking rise to become one of the top 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.

Of her appointment, Dr. Wilkins said,

"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. I look forward to working with the School's faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners to advance academic excellence and deepen our public impact."

An internationally recognized scholar in global communication, development communication, and media studies, Dr. 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 was 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.

She holds Ph.D. 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.

I would like to thank the search committee for their thoughtful and collaborative leadership of the search process. Throughout the process, they carefully considered the current needs of the school, their hopes for its future, and the school's role within the larger university. I would also like to thank Peter Diplock, vice provost for continuing, professional, and online education, for serving as chair of the search committee and helping me to guide the process.

Dr. Wilkins will succeed Stephanie Kelton, professor of economics and public policy, who served as interim dean this past year. Dr. Kelton's focus on improving the student experience and hands-on learning opportunities, building support through external fundraising, and maintaining the school's momentum and growth has left the SoCJ well-positioned for a seamless leadership transition.

Sincerely,

Carl

Carl W. Lejuez

Executive Vice President and Provost