Ann Brill

Notable work and positions

William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas - Dean (2004-2025); Professor

Biography

Ann M. Brill is a journalism educator who served as dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas from 2004 to 2025. Born and raised in Marathon, Wisconsin, she holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, an M.A. in journalism from Marquette University, and a Ph.D. in mass communications from the University of Minnesota. Her first full-time journalism job was at a community weekly newspaper, The Mosinee Times. She taught at the University of Minnesota and Marquette University before joining the University of Missouri School of Journalism, where she co-founded one of the world's first online newspapers and taught new media. She was named interim dean at KU in 2004, succeeding James Gentry, and became permanent dean shortly after. During her 20-year tenure, the school launched the state's only doctoral program in journalism and completed a $7 million renovation of its 125-year-old building, Stauffer-Flint Hall, adding a full television studio. She is a past president of the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication, founded and directed the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund Online Editing Program, and has chaired accreditation visits for the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. In 2024 she received the Administrator of the Year award from the Scripps Howard Fund and the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. She stepped down as dean before the start of the fall 2025 semester and returned to teaching at the school.

Career highlights

• 20 years as dean 2004-2025 · Led one of the nation's top-ranked journalism schools, including creation of its doctoral program.
• AEJMC Administrator of the Year 2024 · Scripps Howard Fund-sponsored recognition as the nation's top journalism education administrator.