Cary Granat has been appointed as the new dean of the Moody College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, with his official start date set for September 28. Granat, who co-founded and served as CEO of Walden Media—famous for producing the “Chronicles of Narnia” films—will succeed interim Dean Anita Vangelisti, who took on the role in August 2024.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the position, Granat conveyed his belief in the importance of humility and transparency in leadership. “I arrive with open hands, a listening ear, and a simple conviction that leadership worthy of this College must be humble in posture and transparent in practice,” he stated.
William Inboden, the Executive Vice President and Provost at UT, announced Granat’s appointment, emphasizing the significance of his leadership at the college.
Granat’s responsibilities will include overseeing the hiring process for the next general manager of KUT and KUTX, which are both affiliated with the Moody College of Communication. This follows the dismissal of Debbie Hiott earlier this summer after a contentious dispute related to the cancellation of on-campus programming for the inaugural KUT Festival in May. Hiott contended that the station had made every effort to organize the festival, countering the university’s claims of safety concerns.
Following Hiott’s termination in June, Gerald Johnson was appointed as the interim general manager and has indicated his intention to serve only in this temporary capacity. Johnson aims to facilitate the search for a permanent replacement, ultimately leaving the final decision to Granat after consulting with a hiring committee. “I look forward to working with the new dean,” Johnson remarked. “My role is to support him and the institution, and ultimately move forward and help ensure that we find the right leader for KUT and KUTX.”
While employees of KUT and KUTX are considered UT Austin staff, the university does not influence the editorial decisions made by KUT News. The broadcasting licenses for both stations are held by UT, and they operate out of the Moody College of Communication. The university manages the stations’ payroll and community donations while providing certain in-kind services such as IT, HR, and utilities.
In light of Hiott’s departure, discussions have emerged regarding the future of KUT and KUTX within the university structure. There is speculation about whether the stations should continue under UT’s umbrella or separate and establish a nonprofit organization to take control of their Federal Communications Commission license. While other stations, like KTEP in El Paso, have successfully transitioned to nonprofit status, this process is complex, costly, and would require approval from the UT System Board of Regents.
