Diane McFarlin

Diane McFarlin served as dean of the College of Journalism and Communications from 2013-2020, establishing herself as one of the most transformative leaders in the College’s history. Her passion, vision and dedication have strengthened CJC and reinforced our reputation as one of the premier programs in the country.

An Interview with Dean McFarlin in December 2020

Dean McFarlin Legacy

Diane McFarlin’s five-decade legacy at CJC as a student, supporter, donor and dean, has been extraordinary. She is the first CJC alumnus to be named Dean and the first professional to hold this position.

The College’s accomplishments under her leadership over the past seven years have been numerous:  A 14 percent increase in enrollment and 63 percent increase in faculty. The endowment has increased 23 percent since 2013.  Two programs were conferred with Center status. The Agency was created to provide immersion opportunities for advertising and public relations students. The College developed a strategic plan for diversity and hired a Director of Inclusion and Diversity.

But perhaps her greatest legacy is the culture of the institution. Today, CJC is a place of greater inclusion and collegiality. The College is more balanced between its research and professional mission. Students are increasingly exposed to faculty and staff who look like them and share similar experiences.

Dean McFarlin accepting the 2019 Scripps Howard College Administrator of the Year Award
In 2018, the College was re-accredited by ACEJMC with high praise

Key Events

2013

  • Diane McFarlin named Dean
  • Dingman gift funds UFCJC Award for Investigative Data Journalism

2014

  • Florida Public Radio Emergency Network Launches
  • Creation of PATH and expansion of advising services

2015

  • The Agency opens for business

2016

  • The STEM Translational Communication program becomes a Center
  • The Media Effects and Technology Lab opens

2017

  • The College implements the CJC 2020 Strategic Plan
  • STEM Center receives $3 million grant, largest in school’s history
  • The Center for Public Interest Communications launches
  • Dean’s Leadership Council formed

2018

  • CJC is re-accredited by ACEJMC with high praise
  • GHQ experimental audio entertainment service launches

2019

  • The College receives $1.25 million for the Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology
  • CJC has the most donors of any college on UF’s inaugural Giving Day
  • Creation of Fresh Take Florida focused on statehouse investigative journalism
  • Dean McFarlin named Scripps Howard College Administrator of the Year

2020

  • CJC is a top four college for three years in a row in Hearst Journalism Awards
  • Inaugural Collier Prize for State Government Accountability awarded
  • For second year in a row, CJC is top College during UF’s Giving Day
  • Office of Careers and Corporate Partnerships created
  • Exceeded revised Capital Campaign goal of $40 million