Rate My Professor Joe Mazer

Joseph P. Mazer, known professionally as Joe Mazer, serves as Dean, Faye Julian Dean’s Chair, and Professor in the College of Communication and Information at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. A first-generation college student, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Mansfield University, Master’s degree in communication from Illinois State University—where he received the inaugural Outstanding Young Graduate Alumnus Award—and PhD from Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication. Appointed dean effective July 1, 2021, Mazer oversees a college with six bachelor’s programs, three master’s programs, an interdisciplinary PhD, over 160 faculty and staff, approximately 6,000 students, WUOT 91.9 FM, and media operations. Under his leadership, the college achieved retention rates rising from 85.1 percent to 92.6 percent, six-year graduation rates from 74.4 percent to 78.1 percent, 35 percent growth in undergraduate enrollment, increased research productivity with 15 percent more journal articles, record fundraising including the largest cash gift naming the Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations, and budget growth exceeding 30 million dollars annually.

Mazer’s research specializations include communication in teaching and learning, social media and new technologies, and communication in interpersonal relationships. A nationally recognized scholar ranked among the top 1 percent of prolific communication researchers and top 10 in instructional communication, he has produced over 100 peer-reviewed publications and more than 100 conference presentations. Key works include “The effects of teacher self-disclosure via Facebook on teacher credibility” (Learning, Media and Technology, 2009), “Attitudes toward online social connection and self-disclosure as predictors of Facebook communication and relational closeness” (Communication Research, 2011), and “The changing nature of parent–teacher communication: Mode selection in the smartphone era” (Communication Education, 2015). His research, funded by the National Science Foundation, has been featured in The New York Times, NBC Nightly News, and other outlets. Mazer served as editor of Communication Education, the National Communication Association’s flagship journal, chaired its Instructional Development Division, and participated in its Leadership Development Committee and Teaching and Learning Council. At Clemson University, as Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication, he doubled research productivity, directed the Social Media Listening Center securing over seven million dollars in grants, and received the Outstanding Professor of the Year Award from undergraduates.