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University of Florida

Craig Dezern

Senior Lecturer, Public Relations Department

Craig Dezern
Craig Dezern

Read Craig Dezern’s hiring announcement and faculty directory page.

Quick Facts

  • Holds a Master of Studies in Law from Yale Law School and bachelor’s degrees in both Journalism and English from Western Kentucky University.
  • Brings with him over 30 years of PR and corporate communications experience at Hilton and the Walt Disney Company
  • Was an adjunct lecturer for CJC from 2022-present
  • Is also an award-winning journalist who once worked for the Orlando Sentinel

What classes will you be teaching?  

PUR4100 Public Relations Writing and PUR4932 Travel & Tourism Public Relations

What is your area of expertise? 

Corporate and Consumer PR, with a global lens

Significant other, children, pets? 

My wife, Cheryl, is a graduate of the UF College of Education. We’ve been married 34 years and have three grown children, a son and two daughters, and our first granddaughter. 

What accomplishments, personal or professional, are you most proud of? 

Leading the grand opening of Shanghai Disney Resort, a six-year endeavor, was a highlight during my time at Disney. Heading communications for Hilton as the company emerged from the pandemic was challenging but ultimately rewarding. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Any hobbies? 

I have a large extended family from Kentucky that we love to visit. Napping is not usually considered a hobby, but shouldn’t it be?

What is your favorite piece of media (book, movie, show, game)? 

“Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro 

What advice would you give to a student just getting started in your area of expertise? 

Ask a lot of questions and pay attention to the details. 

Who is your hero or biggest inspiration (alive or historical)? 

W.R. Shutt, my maternal grandfather, who was a poetry-writing coal miner in western Kentucky. 

What three things don’t we know about you? 

  • My first name is Stanley (though my UF email address gives it away) 
  • My mother, my son and I are the only three-generation champions of the Shutt Family Scrabble tournament
  • I make a mean Key Lime Pie