Jay M. Bernhardt is the 13th president of Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, taking up this prestigious position in 2023. Before this role, he was the dean of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, where he established the Center for Health Communication. His career also includes significant roles at the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Originally from New Jersey, he is a member of numerous honor societies and serves on the boards of various leading organizations.

He is acclaimed for his leadership and scholarly contributions, particularly in health communication. He fervently advocates for mental health and supports many charities and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, he has a strong appreciation for the arts, theater, and culinary exploration.

In his current role at Emerson College, which also has campuses in California and the Netherlands, Bernhardt is dedicated to fostering an environment that supports academic and personal growth. He succeeded Bill Gilligan, who served as interim president since 2021.

Before his appointment at Emerson, he served as the dean of the Moody College of Communication starting in March 2016, where he also founded the Center for Health Communication. His tenure there included professorships in the Department of Communication Studies and the Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations.

Residing in Boston with his wife, Cassandra, Jay M. Bernhardt continues integrating his professional activities with personal interests in the arts and philanthropy, reflecting the values he upholds at Emerson College.