Raul Reis

Raul Reis’ 30 years of experience in academia have established a track record for creating nationally ranked programs that prepare students for the fast-paced world of digital media.

Prior to entering academia, Reis worked for many years as a newspaper, television and magazine reporter and editor for Brazilian and U.S. news organizations. As a journalist, he covered politics, sports, city news and science and the environment, among other topics.

Before joining UNC Hussman as dean in 2022, Reis served for six years as dean of the School of Communication at Emerson College, where he was a tenured professor in the Department of Communication Studies. Prior to Emerson, Reis was dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Florida International University in Miami, Florida, from 2011 to 2016.

After concluding his tenure as dean of UNC Hussman in August 2026, Reis returned to the faculty to focus on research and teaching. As dean, he focused on positioning the school be a global leader in innovation, education and research amid profound change in journalism and media while remaining anchored to its democratic mission. He emphasized building a sustainable, future‑facing school that prepares graduates to shape public conversation across emerging technologies, platforms and careers. 

He has published extensively in academic journals and books on topics such as the impact of mass media on traditional communities; Latin American and Brazilian media; higher education; and science, health and environmental communication.

Reis’ academic articles have appeared in the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, Journalism & Mass Communication Educator, Journal of Mass Media Ethics, Science Communication, World Communication Journal, Environmental Communication and the Journal of Intercultural Communication, among others.

He co-authored a book titled “Mass Communication: Producers and Consumers” (2010) and another titled “Writing and Reporting for Digital Media” (2015); contributed chapters to six edited academic books; and his research has been reprinted in specialized encyclopedias.

Education

• Ph.D., University of Oregon
• M.S., Kansas State University
• B.A., Universidade Federal do Pará