communigator

New Staff: Randy Wright

Randy Wright. (Photo by Steve Johnson) Click photo to zoom.

As part of the College’s restructuring of its Division of Multimedia Properties, Randy Wright has been hired as the division’s executive director to guide the College’s media properties in achieving their full educational and programming potential.

Wright oversees public television and radio stations WUFT-TV/FM, WJUF-FM and WLUF-LP, and commercial properties WRUF-AM/FM, along with its web operations. He guided the recent change of formats at WRUF Sports Radio 850 and Country 103.7 – The Gator and is leading the College’s development of classical and Spanish language HD stations under the WUFT-FM umbrella along with leading a group of College students in the launch of the new Rock104.com, ensuring that heritage rock music media product lives on.

“Randy brings the kind of experience, energy and vision that will strengthen our media properties and position them to be successful in the marketplace,” said Dean John Wright (no relation). “Of all the searches with which I’ve been associated, I’ve never seen such unanimous support from faculty, staff and the community for one candidate.”

Randy Wright has filled media ownership, senior management and industry leadership positions throughout his career in television, radio and new media. He served as chairman of the Missouri Broadcasters Association in 2006-07 and has been involved in numerous community and charitable organizations in Missouri.

He also served as the public-address announcer for the University of Missouri men’s basketball team for 22 years and Missouri football for six years. In addition he was the announcer for the NFL’s St. Louis Rams prior to becoming a Florida Gator.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be a Gator,” Randy Wright said. “The College of Journalism and Communications at Florida provides the most unique, real world media environment of any institution in America and through our new initiatives and product launches we plan on enhancing that experience for our students. Florida will be seen as THE place to launch a successful career in media and our University-owned media properties will form the basis for truly wonderful experiences on which to build a lifelong profession.”

He earned a master’s degree in journalism, focusing on media management from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies, including management and communications, from the university.

“I believe in engaging the students as much as possible which is why we now incorporate more than 440 student experiences directly into the various media properties,” Randy Wright said. “I see extraordinary opportunities for our students and I truly believe all of my professional, academic and personal experiences in life have brought me to the College. I’m very proud to be a Florida Gator.”