MARTIN, Tenn. – Dr. Jerald Ogg, an associate professor of communications
and former chair of the University of Tennessee at Martin Department of
Communications, has been appointed interim dean for the university’s
College of Humanities and Fine Arts by Chancellor Philip W. Conn.
Ogg’s appointment comes as the search for the permanent dean continues.
The candidate who previously accepted the position decided not to move to
Martin after consultation with his family.
Dr. Christopher Chalokwu, vice chancellor for academic affairs, said UT
Martin is fortunate to have Ogg serve in this interim capacity until a new
search can begin to permanently fill the position.
“We are pleased to have someone of Dr. Ogg’s ability and experience to fill
this important position,” Chalokwu said. “As a former department chair and
president of the faculty senate, Dr. Ogg brings tremendous experience to
the position as interim dean.”
Ogg, who earned two undergraduate degrees from UT Martin and returned as a
faculty member in 1987, looks forward to his new role.
“I am excited about the opportunity to serve my colleagues in the new
College of Humanities and Fine Arts,” Ogg said. “We have a tremendous
team of dedicated faculty, and I am looking forward to working with them
and the administration as we continue to provide the best undergraduate
education in this region.
“I appreciate the confidence of Dr. Conn and Dr. Chalokwu. This university
and community have always been special to me and my family, and I am proud
to ‘pinch hit’ until a permanent dean can be hired,” he said.
Besides administrative duties at the university, Ogg teaches communications
law, ethics, public relations and advertising. He has also advised the
campus newspaper, The Pacer, for which he served as editor while a student,
and the university yearbook, The Spirit. He was recognized for outstanding
teaching in 1997-98 when he received a UT National Alumni Association
Outstanding Teacher Award.
Ogg, who lives in Martin with his wife, Jane, and two daughters, Jennifer
and Jana, is a reserve lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Judge
Advocate General (“JAG”) Department. A past president of the Martin
Parent-Teacher Organization, he is also serving in his second season as
assistant coach of the Martin Middle School Lady Panther Softball Team.
In addition to his UT Martin undergraduate degrees, Ogg holds a master’s
degree from Louisiana State University, a law degree from the University of
Tennessee and a doctorate from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
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