Raul Reis to step down as UNC Hussman dean
This letter from Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Magnus Egerstedt was originally shared on unc.edu.
Dear Carolina Community,
I am writing to share that Raul Reis has decided to step down as dean of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media to serve as faculty and focus on his research, effective Aug. 1. As dean, Raul has focused on positioning the school to be a global leader in innovation, education and research amid profound change in journalism and media while remaining anchored to its democratic mission. This fall, he will take research leave and then return to teaching in the spring.
Raul joined UNC Hussman in July 2022 as dean and John T. Kerr Distinguished Professor. 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. 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.
Under his leadership, UNC Hussman has maintained its status as the top public program in media and journalism by adhering to rigorous standards ensuring that the curriculum, faculty qualifications and educational outcomes meet evolving industry and academic standards. In addition, in an era of rapid technological change, Raul led UNC Hussman to establish principles on artificial intelligence and explore how AI can be used to enhance education, tackle real-world challenges and equip students for the rapidly changing global landscape.
During each year of Raul’s tenure, UNC Hussman won the Hearst national championship in collegiate journalism, often referred to as the “Pulitzers of college journalism.” This year marked the school’s eighth consecutive win. And, for the 16th consecutive year, UNC Hussman students earned the most awards in the Society for News Design International Student Competition. Hussman students also achieved the school’s highest-ever finish in the National Student Advertising Competition with a district championship and a third-place national finish in 2025, while the school has also been recognized consistently on the PRNews Education A-List.
As dean, Raul has emphasized experiential learning and ensured that students have access to transformative professional opportunities including the launch of a semester-long political communication residency program in Washington, D.C., the expansion of a tradition of UNC Hussman students traveling to cover the Olympic Games and multiple initiatives in Western North Carolina reporting on Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The graduate programs were redesigned to align with industry needs, including streamlined one-year residential master’s programs, an overhaul of the online M.A. in Digital Communication and the launch of new online certificate programs in digital communication.
Raul has more than 30 years of experience in academia and a track record for creating nationally ranked programs that prepare students for the fast-paced world of digital media. Prior to academia, he worked for many years as a newspaper, television and magazine reporter and editor for Brazilian and U.S. news organizations.
An interim dean will be announced in the coming weeks. Please join me in thanking Raul for his dedicated service to UNC Hussman and its long-lasting impact.
