Pictured Above: Deni Elliott (left), a veteran media ethicist and journalism professor, will succeed Catherine Cardwell as USF St. Petersburg’s regional associate vice chancellor for academic affairs for one year.
Image courtesy of Kristine Paulsen and USF
By Nancy McCann
Deni Elliott, a media ethicist who has taught journalism at USF St. Petersburg since 2003, will become the campus’ interim vice provost and regional associate vice chancellor of academic affairs.
She replaces Catherine Cardwell, who is departing later this month to become the dean of university libraries at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Elliott will serve in her new post for one year, Regional Chancellor Martin Tadlock told the St. Petersburg Campus Board in announcing the appointment today.
He said she “delayed her plans, which included retirement” to accept the position.
“We’re fortunate to have Deni . . . and you’ll learn a lot more about her,” Tadlock said.
The news of Elliott’s appointment comes at an uneasy time for the St. Petersburg campus, which is still adjusting to consolidation. Tadlock himself is stepping down at the end of the year, and Steve Currall jolted the USF community on Monday by announcing that he is retiring Aug. 2 after just two years as president.
Elliott is a nationally known media ethicist who has published more than 200 articles and book chapters.
She earned a bachelor’s in mass communications from the University of Maryland, a master’s in philosophy from Wayne State University and a doctorate from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
Before coming to USF St. Petersburg in 2003, she taught at Utah State University, Dartmouth College and the University of Montana. Elliott began losing her eyesight in her 30s, and over the years her guide dogs have become well-publicized campus fixtures.
Cardwell, who assumes her post in Nevada next month, came to USF St. Petersburg as dean of the Nelson Poynter Memorial Library in 2016.
She eventually became interim vice provost as well, helping lead the campus through the challenges of consolidation and the COVID-19 pandemic.
When he announced Cardwell’s departure earlier this month, Tadlock called it “a huge loss for our campus and our St. Petersburg community.”
“Cathi provided steady, reliable, innovative leadership that sometimes went unrecognized simply because of the quiet, confident approach she took while dealing with situations that were highly demanding and difficult,” Tadlock said.
“She doesn’t seek accolades or recognition for what she does; she dedicates herself to excellence and works unceasingly to accomplish what is best for the campus, the community and her colleagues.”
Elliott’s new role will start on Aug. 9, according to an email sent to colleagues today from Tadlock and Provost Ralph Wilcox.
“Deni brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position,” they wrote. “In addition to her duties as the Eleanor Poynter Jamison Chair of Media Ethics and Press Policy and professor in the Department of Journalism and Digital Communications, she also serves as the Chief Project Officer for the National Ethics Project.”
Read Tadlock and Wilcox’s written July 20 announcement below:
Dear colleagues,
It is with great pleasure that we announce that Deni Elliott, the Eleanor Poynter Jamison Chair in Media Ethics and a 17-year veteran of our university, has been named Interim Regional Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Vice-Provost (RVCAA-VP) for USF’s St. Petersburg campus. Deni is stepping in to fill the vacancy left by Cathi Cardwell, who accepted a position as Dean of Libraries at University of Nevada-Reno. Deni will serve a one-year appointment, effective Aug. 9. The appointment follows consultation with members of the USF Academic and Student Success Leadership Team, the college deans, and the USF St. Petersburg campus Faculty Council.
The RVCAA-VP is the chief academic officer on USF’s St. Petersburg campus and serves as the chief administrative officer in the regional chancellor’s office. In her new role, Deni will provide leadership and vision for the development and implementation of the academic future of the campus. She will also oversee academic units and centers; evaluate faculty and staff; participate in the budget process; serve on the regional chancellor’s cabinet; promote faculty success and student success; and engage in community outreach.
Deni brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position. In addition to her duties as the Eleanor Poynter Jamison Chair of Media Ethics and Press Policy and professor in the Department of Journalism and Digital Communications, she also serves as the Chief Project Officer for the National Ethics Project. She is the author of more than 200 articles and book chapters for scholarly, trade and lay press, and has authored or edited nine books. Deni served as Departmental Chair from 2012 through 2018. Deni has received many awards, grants and fellowships, including a 2014 appointment to the Fulbright Specialist Roster for her expertise in digital communications ethics.
Deni earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Maryland; her master’s in Philosophy from Wayne State University and her Ed.D. in Philosophy in Education from Harvard University. She has been a friend and mentor to many of us on USF’s St. Petersburg campus over the years, and her calm and steady demeanor will be a stabilizing force for all. We look forward to the insight she will bring to this important position. Please join us in welcoming Deni to her new role.
Regards,
Martin Tadlock
USF St. Petersburg campus Regional Chancellor
Ralph C. Wilcox
USF Provost and Executive Vice President
