UNC Journalism Dean Navigates Diversity Mission Amid DEI Restrictions

Last May, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Board of Governors voted to eliminate all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) offices. At theDean Raul Reis state’s flagship, UNC Chapel Hill, cut at least 20 positions and reassigned nearly 30 more, resulting in around $5.4 million in spending cuts. The move aligned Chapel Hill with other public universities in states with Republican-controlled legislatures such as the University of Florida that have similarly “banned” diversity spending and programming.

Those changes came shortly after the hire of Dean Raul Reis, who joined the Hussman School of Journalism and Media in July 2022 with a platform that honored the values of equity and diversity. Born and raised in Brazil, Reis' academic background is in communication and journalism. He's earned degrees from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro and the University of Oregon, where he obtained his Ph.D. Known for a dedication to fostering inclusion, Reis has a history of championing initiatives that promote representation and innovation in media education and is an accomplished scholar with research interests in environmental journalism, international communication, and the role of media in society.

What inspired you to lead the journalism department at UNC Chapel Hill ?

I was drawn to the University of North Carolina and UNC Hussman by many factors. Perhaps chief among those is the strong public service ethic that is so pervasive on-campus and that emanates across North Carolina, the nation and, really, the world.  

Carolina’s reputation — for highly talented students, thought leadership by faculty members, dedicated professional staff and a deeply engaged and supportive alumni network — is widely known and respected among its peers. Being able to work with this community to set a new standard in journalism and media education and practice is truly inspiring.