Jay M. Bernhardt

Jay M. Bernhardt is a distinguished health communication researcher and currently serves as the 13th president of Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. Before assuming this role, he was the dean of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, where he founded the Center for Health Communication, significantly advancing the college’s contributions to public health.

He has also held important positions at the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Originally from New Jersey, he belongs to various honor societies and participates on the boards of several prominent organizations.

Throughout his career, Bernhardt has been recognized with numerous awards for his leadership and academic work. As the president of Emerson College, he is a strong advocate for mental health and supports a range of charities, nonprofits, and other causes. Outside his professional life, he enjoys art, theater, and exploring new culinary experiences.

Current Role & Duties

Emerson College

Jay became the 13th president of Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2023. Previously, he was the dean of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, starting in March 2016. Emerson College also operates campuses in California and the Netherlands.

He is dedicated to providing stable and supportive 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 served as the dean of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin. He joined Moody College in March 2016, and during his tenure, he established the Center for Health Communication.

Before becoming dean, he served as interim dean from August 2015 to February 2016. He was also a professor 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 the founder and president, he led operations that focused on consulting for a broad 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 period, he led students, faculty, and staff while developing digital health-focused academic training programs and initiatives to enhance 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 earned his Ph.D. in public health from U.N.C.

Rutgers University

Jay 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:

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 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 good causes.

Outside of his professional and philanthropic endeavors, he 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 continues to make significant contributions to health communication and remains dedicated to his roles in education and advocacy.

Portfolio