Marcia DiStaso Named UFCJC Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research

Marcia DiStaso has been named the new University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Dean of Research. In this newly combined role, she will work with both the graduate and research division to provide leadership in management, promotion and strategic planning to advance graduate education and research across the College.

Prior to joining UFCJC in 2017, DiStaso served as a faculty member at Penn State University for 10 years and worked as a research consultant. Her accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2021 Institute for Public Relations’ Pathfinder Award, the 2020 Top Women in PR from PRNEWS, the 2019 PRNEWS Educator of the Year and the 2016 PRSA Educator of the Year. She has also been inducted into the PR Measurement Hall of Fame.

Since joining UF, DiStaso has served as Public Relations Department chair, was appointed Associate Dean for Research in March 2022 and became Interim Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in September 2024. In her interim role, the graduate division experienced a record number of doctoral applications, resulting in an incoming cohort that was larger than the previous two years combined. She also led efforts to revise doctoral visitation and update internal procedures.

DiStaso’s areas of expertise include corporate social responsibility, crisis and organizational communication, social advocacy and social change and social media. She received her B.A. in Economics and an M.A. from the University of South Florida and her doctorate in Communication from the University of Miami.

Category: College News
Tagged: Graduate Studies and Research Marcia DiStaso Public Relations
Subscribe to our News Digest