ELON — The new dean of Elon University’s School of Communications is a familiar face on campus.
Kenn Gaither has served Elon for over 19 years in the School of Communications, including 10 years as associate dean, and since June 2022 he held the position of interim dean.
After earning his doctorate in international public relations and new technology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gaither and his wife, Barbara, made the move to Elon in 2004. Barbara also joined the faculty in 2006. The two met while at UNC.
“My wife is a West Virginia University grad, and I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh. When it comes to sports, the two don’t get along. We made a bet on a game, with dinner as the prize. I’d never been happier to lose at something. We’ve been happily married for 15 years now,” Gaither said.
“We kept hearing great things about Elon. After visiting, we were hooked right away. The campus was beautiful and we fell in love with the community, school, the people and the staff,” he said.
When the dean’s position came open, Gaither and his wife mulled over the decision before he jumped in to apply.
“We have three wonderful little ones, and we knew that the position would require a large commitment in time and leadership,” he said. “Elon treated me like any of the other candidates. I even toured the building that I had already been working in.”
President Connie Ledoux Book said, “As a teacher, scholar and mentor, he has already made a significant impact on the people, programs and achievements of the school.”
One large program that Gaither helped to start is Elon Sports Vision. Students work in all aspects of covering the school’s athletic programs, across a number of mediums.
“When I was in the interim role, I thought that it was critically important that I didn’t act like an interim dean. I worked like the interim title wasn’t there,” he said. “I’m glad that interim is no longer part of the title. I am incredibly excited about working with the students, staff and faculty working in communications in a digital world.”
He noted that the School of Communications has grown a lot since he began there in 2004.
“The field of communications is constantly changing, and our department has to be nimble. I think that being nimble is part of Elon’s values. We move quickly and engage,” he said.
