About the School

School of Communication Mission Statement

Understanding the complex and ever-changing nature of communication’s vital
role in a democratic society, the School of Communication at Florida State
University recognizes the need to examine the field from a multitude of
theoretical, practical, and creative approaches. We prepare students to be
versatile communication practitioners and engaged global citizens through
innovative and experiential learning experiences, research and creative
scholarship, and service to the discipline, university, and community.

School History

Portrait of Dr. Theodore Clevenger Jr.
Dr. Theodore Clevenger Jr. (1929-1995)

The guiding force behind what is now the School of Communication was Dr.
Theodore "Ted" Clevenger, Jr.

Dr. Clevenger earned his doctorate here at FSU in 1957, returned 10 years
later as chairman of the Department of Speech within the College of Arts
& Sciences, and was named the first dean of the College of
Communication in 1976. He left a strong and enduring legacy to the
university and to the field of communication research.

Read more about Dr. Clevenger.