Health communication researcher Jay M. Bernhardt is the 13th president of Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. Before this role, he served as the dean of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin. During his tenure at Moody College, he established the school's Center for Health Communication.

He has also held prominent positions at the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Originating from New Jersey, he is a member of numerous honor societies and serves on the boards of various high-profile organizations.

Bernhardt’s leadership and scholarship have earned him multiple awards. As the 13th president of Emerson College, he is a long-standing mental health advocate and supports numerous charities, nonprofits, and good causes. Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys art, theater, and exploring new cuisines.

Current Role & Duties

Emerson College

Jay is the 13th president of Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. He joined Emerson College in 2023 after serving as the dean of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin since March 2016. Emerson College also has campuses in California and the Netherlands.

He is dedicated to providing steady and caring leadership to the faculty and students from the Boston campus. He succeeded interim principal Bill Gilligan, who had been serving as interim president since 2021.

Career History

Moody College of Communication

Bernhardt is the former dean of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin. He joined the Moody College in March 2016. During his time as dean, he founded the Center for Health Communication.

Before becoming dean, he served as interim dean from August 2015 to February 2016. He also spent the previous 20 months as a professor, primarily in the Department of Communication Studies, with a secondary appointment in the Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations.

Other Notable Roles

Digital Health Impact, Inc.

Jay founded Digital Health Impact, Inc. in Gainesville, Florida, in 2011. As the founder and president, he led operations focused on consulting for a wide range of scientific and strategic applications and innovations.

His team specialized in digital health technologies, health communication, and social marketing for academic, governmental, nonprofit, and private-sector clients.

University of Florida

From 2010 to 2014, he served as a professor, chair, and center director at the University of Florida. During this time, he led students, faculty, and staff while developing digital health-focused academic training programs and initiatives to increase research opportunities at the university.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Bernhardt is a former department director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2005, he became the first permanent director of the National Center for Health Marketing at the C.D.C. He managed a team of 500 federal employees and contractors with an annual budget exceeding $100 million.

Academic Background

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1994 to 1999. During his time there, he served as the student union board chair and was inducted into the Order of the Grail Valkyries. He holds a Ph.D. in public health from U.N.C.

Rutgers University

Jay Bernhardt began his studies at Rutgers University in 1987 at the age of 18. Between 1987 and 1992, he studied sociology and computer science. He served as president of Phi Delta Theta and was inducted into the Order of Omega and the Cap and Skull Honor Society.

He also studied at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 1993 and 1994, where he became the student government association president. He holds M.P.H. and B.A. degrees in health education and sociology from Rutgers University.

Awards

Bernhardt, a New Jersey native, is a multi-award-winning educator, professor, researcher, and board director. His numerous professional accolades include the following:

John T. McGovern Health Communication Award
Charles Atkin Outstanding Translational Health Communication Scholar Award
Everett M. Rogers Award for Excellence in Health Communication
American Public Health Association Excellence in Leadership Award
Jay S. Drotman Memorial Award for Creative Leadership

A national award, the Bernhardt Student Leadership Award for Excellence, is named in his honor. Established in 2011, the American Public Health Association presents this award annually through its health informatics and information technology section.

Personal Life & Interests

Jay lives and works in Massachusetts. He resides in Boston with his wife, Cassandra. He is an award-winning educator and mental health advocate who supports numerous charities, nonprofit organizations, and other good causes.

Outside of his professional and philanthropic endeavors, Jay M. Bernhardt enjoys art, theater, travel, and exploring new restaurants. He and his wife cherish time spent with family and close friends in Massachusetts and beyond.

Jay M. Bernhardt | President of Emerson College | Boston, MA