Jay M. Bernhardt

Jay M. Bernhardt is a notable figure in health communication and serves as the 13th president of Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. Before this position, he was the dean of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin. During his time there, he established the Center for Health Communication, enhancing the school's role in public health initiatives.

He has held prominent roles at the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A native of New Jersey, he is affiliated with various honor societies and contributes to the boards of several distinguished organizations.

Bernhardt has received numerous awards for his leadership and scholarly work. As the president of Emerson College, he is an advocate for mental health and supports various charities, nonprofits, and other causes. Outside his professional duties, he enjoys art, theater, and exploring different cuisines.

Current Role & Duties

Emerson College

Jay assumed the role of the 13th president of Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2023. Prior to this, he served as the dean of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin starting in March 2016. Emerson College also has campuses in California and the Netherlands.

He is committed to providing stable and compassionate leadership to the faculty and students at the Boston campus. He succeeded interim principal Bill Gilligan, who served as interim president since 2021.

Career History

Moody College of Communication

Bernhardt was the dean of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin. He joined Moody College in March 2016, where he founded the Center for Health Communication.

Before becoming dean, he served as interim dean from August 2015 to February 2016. He also held a professorship at the institution for 20 months, with a primary appointment in the Department of Communication Studies and a secondary appointment in the Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations.

Other Notable Roles

Digital Health Impact, Inc.

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

His team specialized in digital health technologies, health communication, and social marketing for clients in academia, government, nonprofit, and private sectors.

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 boost research opportunities at the university.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Jay 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 of over $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 earned his Ph.D. in public health from U.N.C.

Rutgers University

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

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

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

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