Wes Sumner
Florida Tech Vice President for Executive CommunicationsDr. Wes Sumner has been fascinated by science and technology since childhood, when he dreamed of becoming an astronaut. The opportunity to dialogue with scientists and researchers about why things work—and how they might work better—is a true privilege.
Wes joined Florida Institute of Technology in 2009 and currently serves as Vice President for Executive Communications working in the Office of the President. In addition to serving as university spokesperson, he manages crisis communications response and supervises WFIT-FM, the region’s National Public Radio affiliate.
Before joining Florida Tech, Wes was director of district communications and public information for Brevard Public Schools, one of the largest school districts in the state. He managed all primary communications functions, including media relations, crisis communications, the district television station and non-profit foundation. He also acted as district spokesperson.
Prior to his work at Brevard Public Schools, Wes spent a decade serving the University System of Georgia. Most recently, he served at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus where he led a variety of communication management efforts that included alumni relations, media relations, crisis communications, marketing and development. His early career included other communications positions at Georgia Southern University and Valdosta State University. He also logged TV, radio, newspaper and video production experience, having worked as a print and broadcast journalist.
Wes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree double majoring in journalism and political science at the University of Central Florida, a Master of Education degree in educational leadership from Valdosta State University and a Doctor of Business Administration degree from Florida Tech.
He is a graduate of Leadership Brevard Class of 2008 and the recipient of several Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) awards for excellence in programs, publishing and media relations. He is an invited presenter at regional and national educational conferences.
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Florida Tech Vice President for Executive Communications Wes Sumner interviews Interim President Bob King on this edition of Inside Florida Tech. -
Antarctica is undergoing dramatic climate change—and researchers are working hard to determine the lasting impact. Florida Tech Professor Dr. Rich Aronson drops in to outline the challenges faced by “The Ice” at the base of the globe.
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Cryptocurrency has both supporters and detractors—will it one day do away with those dollar bills in your pocket? Get ready to take notes as Florida Tech business instructor Tim Muth breaks down the basics.
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It’s one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the Northern Hemisphere, and it’s in trouble. What have scientists discovered is happening in the Indian River Lagoon? Florida Tech researcher Dr. Austin Fox shares the latest.
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What’s that buzzing overhead? It might be a drone delivering your latest online order. Can self-flying cars be far behind? Florida Tech researcher Dr. Brian Kish gives a sneak peek at what might be next in aviation.
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Will humans be able to one day grow vegetables on Mars? Florida Tech researcher Dr. Andrew Palmer is working hard to answer that question. He discusses an important first step taken with some out-of-this-world tomatoes.
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“Tale of Tails: Spider Monkeys”How can studying spider monkeys help us understand the ways people make decisions? Dr. Darby Proctor, associate professor at Florida Tech, shares her investigations into the complex world of these fascinating primates.
