Willow Bay Named USC Annenberg School for Journalism's First Female Dean

LOS ANGELES, CA — Willow Bay has been appointed dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism after serving as director of the USC Annenberg School for Journalism since July 2014, the university announced Monday.

Bay succeeds Ernest J. Wilson III, who announced in May he would be stepping down as dean following the conclusion of the 2016-17 academic year, but would remain as a professor.

"Willow Bay is exactly the right person to lead USC Annenberg at this important time, given the dramatic changes in communications and journalism," USC Provost Michael Quick said.

"Our students, faculty and staff will greatly benefit from Willow's expertise as they grapple with the ever-evolving world of social media, print and broadcast journalism and converged communication. We expect the school to continue on its upward trajectory under her skilled leadership."

Bay launched operation of the Julie Chen/Leslie Moonves and CBS Media Center in Wallis Annenberg Hall, introduced the school's new bachelor of arts in journalism degree program and created new curriculum and fellowships for master's students.

Before coming to USC, Bay was senior strategic advisor of The Huffington Post, special correspondent and host for Bloomberg TV, co-anchor of ABC's "Good Morning America/Sunday" and CNN's "Moneyline News Hour."

Bay will be the first female dean of USC Annenberg.

Bay is the wife of Walt Disney Co. Chairman and CEO Bob Iger.

City News Service; Photo: Willow Bay poses for a portrait backstage at 26th Annual Literary Awards Festival at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, in Beverly Hills, Calif (Photo by Casey Curry/Associated Press)