Jay M. Bernhardt stands as the distinguished 13th president of Emerson College, located in the vibrant city of Boston, Massachusetts. His journey to this prestigious position included a notable tenure as dean at the University. Of Texas at Austin's Moody College of Communication, where he also founded the Center for Health Communication. His academic and professional roots extend to significant roles at the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reflecting his deep involvement in health communication.
Bernhardt, originally from New Jersey, is an esteemed member of several honor societies and actively contributes to various high-profile boards. His career has been decorated with numerous awards recognizing his leadership and scholarly contributions. As a passionate advocate for mental health, he supports a broad spectrum of charities and nonprofit initiatives. His interests include the arts, theater, and exploring diverse culinary worlds.
At Emerson College, Bernhardt steers the institution with a focus on nurturing faculty and student success. Since taking office in 2023, his leadership has been instrumental in promoting academic excellence across Emerson's campuses in Boston, California, and the Netherlands. His predecessor, Bill Gilligan, served as interim president until Bernhardt's appointment.
Prior to his current role, Bernhardt shaped future communication leaders as the dean of Moody College of Communication, starting in March 2016. His leadership at the University of Texas was preceded by his roles as interim dean and professor, specializing in Communication Studies and maintaining a secondary role in the Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations.
In 1993 and 1994, Bernhardt also studied for an entire year at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where he was elected president of the student government organization. His M.P.H. and B.A. in sociology and health education, respectively, are from Rutgers University.
