Tony Atwater

Dr. Tony Atwater

Dr. Tony Atwater is an accomplished media professional who served as the fifth president of Norfolk State University. During his term, he was the ambassador and advocate for Norfolk State University. He has also held the positions of chief executive officer and president at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Following his presidency, Atwater was appointed a tenured professor in NSU's Department of Mass Communications and Journalism.

Atwater received a competitive doctorate fellowship at Michigan State University, where he earned a Ph.D. in communication research in 1983. In 1989, he finished his postdoctoral studies at the University of Michigan's Department of Communication. In 1973, he also graduated from Hampton University with a bachelor's degree in mass media arts.

He also has three graduate credentials from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in higher education administration. In addition, other administrative responsibilities included chairing the Rutgers University Department of Journalism and Mass Media, becoming the dean of Northern Kentucky University's College of Professional Studies and Education, and working as the provost's special assistant at the University of Connecticut. Additionally, he was the University of Toledo's associate vice president for academic affairs. His dedication to higher education and media has left an impact.