The Reynolds School of Journalism announced Gi Yun has been named the school’s next dean, effective Jan. 1, 2024.

Yun has served as the Reynolds School’s associate dean for the last three years, after joining the school as a professor in 2016. He has been a scholar of journalism and mass communication for over 20 years and has published extensive research on the social psychological aspects of media consumption and computer mediated communication. His research spans a wide range of topics, from media's role in framing science to the individual and societal impacts of communication technology. Yun is the former director of the Reynolds School of Journalism Center for Advanced Media Studies, the school’s research arm, which awards research funding for faculty and graduate students, hosts speakers, and manages research lab equipment and space.

Prior to joining the Reynolds School, Yun taught at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Yun received his Ph.D. and M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His journalism and mass communication undergraduate degree is from Hanyang University in Seoul, Korea.

“For the last 12 years, Dean Al has fostered an excellent environment for our students and faculty to learn and work. It is my great honor to step into this role,” said Yun. “I am looking forward to leading the Reynolds School into its next era, and preparing future journalists and media professionals for an ever-shifting media landscape.”

Yun succeeds Al Stavitsky who has served as dean for the last 12 years. Stavitsky has made a tremendous impact while in the role, launching new academic programs in health and science communication, Spanish-language media and film production, winning numerous national awards, and bringing KUNR public radio under the school, among many other accomplishments. Stavitsky will remain at the Reynolds School and return to faculty in the fall of 2024.

“Dr. Yun’s appointment to dean is welcomed by his colleagues, collaborators and friends at the Reynolds School and across the University. He brings to the position a passion for all things media and an innovative vision for the future of the school,” said President Brian Sandoval. “Our entire University looks forward to witnessing the evolution of the Reynolds School of Journalism under Dr. Yun’s leadership.”