TONY BROWN APPOINTED FIRST DEAN OF THE SCRIPPS HOWARD SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM
Hampton, VA - TV journalist, bestselling author, commentator, radio host and Silver Circle Award winner Tony Brown has been named Dean of the Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, HU President William R. Harvey announced today. Brown will assume his duties as dean on August 30.
“What we have now is strong executive leadership in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism,” said HU President William R. Harvey. “Mr. Brown is known as a team player who throughout his life has worked to solve problems and create successes for those with whom he associates.”
Brown is the commentator of the PBS series, Tony Brown’s Journal, the longest-running of all PBS series. He was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ prestigious Silver Circle. With this honor, he joins such television icons as Walter Cronkite who “have made enduring contributions to the vitality of the television industry and set the highest standards of achievement for all to emulate.”
He is also the former Chief Executive Officer of Urban America Television Network (UATV). Recently, Brown also became the first recipient of the National Director’s Legacy Award for Journalism from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency.
An accomplished educator, Brown was the first and founding dean, as well as professor, of the School of Communications at Howard University, where he established a highly distinguished academic and professional record. He is also a former faculty member at Central Washington University and Federal City College. Brown earned the bachelor’s degree in sociology and his master’s degree in psychiatric social work at Wayne State University in Detroit. He has received numerous honorary doctorate degrees for his achievements in civil rights, education, economics and journalism.
Brown is the bestselling author of three books and many publications including his latest, What Mama Told Me, which describes seven core values given to him by his “Mama” that have sustained him through life. He is also the author of Black Lies, White Lies: The Truth According to Tony Brown, which sold 100,000 copies.
But it is for his work as a journalist that he is best known. Brown’s weekly television series was selected in the New York Daily News as one of the top 10 shows of all time that presents positive Black images. Tony Brown’s Journal was the only current program ranked in the top 10.
The Hampton University campus community had the following to say about Brown assuming the leadership of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications:
• “I am excited about the appointment of Tony Brown. I believe that with the reputation of two giants, Hampton University and this renowned journalist, working in unity to promote diversity in the media is a coup! I believe that under Tony Brown’s leadership, the vision of President Harvey and the partnership with Judy Clabes will be fully realized. In addition, the opportunity for students to grow and learn is great and faculty will work with a well-established academician and well respected journalist.” – Dr. JoAnn Haysbert, provost, Hampton University.
• “There is no finer journalist, commentator, author in the world that not only African-Americans look up to, but much of mankind admires and respects. Hampton University faculty, staff and students will not only benefit from his infinite wisdom, historical perspective and vast amount of knowledge but we will learn from someone who has a vested interest in the future of journalism and communications. I look forward to meeting, working and learning from Tony Brown who I have watched, read and admired and aspired to be like.” - Rob Dixon, general manager WHOV, Hampton University radio station.
• “With Tony Brown’s connections to people in the media, this will lead to interesting people coming in as faculty and visiting professors.” – Kim LeDuff, assistant professor, Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, Hampton University.
• “We are excited to see Tony Brown come to Hampton University and based on his reputation we know that he will be a great addition to our campus.” – Anita Blanton, senior broadcast major and president of Hampton University chapter of NABJ.
• “Tony Brown is a national headliner, and he doesn't pull his journalistic punches. His three decades of public affairs broadcast journalism will be an inspiration to our students. The Scripps Howard School and Hampton University are fortunate to have him on board, and I'm looking forward to working with him.” – Dr. Curtis Holsopple, assistant professor, Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications, Hampton University.
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I believe this is a great development for Hampton, especially in the midst of all the controversy surrounding the School of Journalism. I think that Dr. Harvey has, once again, worked well to remedy the situation and elevate our academic reputation. Holla!
Congrats to Hampton.....you got to him b4 we did (j/k)....But im so glad to see our sucessful Blacks returning back to support HBCUs
I believe the article stated that YALL had him before we did as the Dean of Howard's school of Communications.
I was a little nervous at first with the whole vacancy with only a month before school started...but I see that Scripps Howard is in good hands.
