Wes Sumner
Florida Tech Vice President for External AffairsDr. 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 External Affairs 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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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech hear from Dr. Jamie Younkin, head of the music program at Florida Tech. Find out more about the upcoming choir…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech hear from the assistant vice president for athletic fundraising, Matt Kilcullen, as he talks about the upcoming…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech host Wes Sumner interviews Associate Dean of the College of Science, Dr. Michael Grace. Dr. Grace talks about the…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech, Dean of College of Business, Dr. Annie Becker, and Director of Center for Ethics and Leadership, Dr. Ami Dutta,…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech, guest host Terri Wright talks with Mike Perry, Director of Undergraduate admissions.They discuss the make of…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech, Wes Sumner talks with Professor Rami Khouri, Director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech, Wes Sumner talks with Father Douglas, Florida Tech's Catholic Campus Chaplain for over 30-years. They discuss…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech, Wes Sumner talks with Mark Malek, co-chair of the Evening of Hope, and Colleen Middlebrooks, Director of Community…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech, Wes Sumner talks with the president of Florida Tech, Dr. Anthony Catanese. They discuss the hot topic of rising…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech, Wes Sumner talks with Judy Brooke, the director of International Student and Scholar Services at Florida Tech.…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech, Wes Sumner talks with Carla Funk, the director of University Museums at Florida Tech. They discuss the annual…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech, Wes Summer talks with Dr. John Hearin, who is a staff researcher at the center for corrosion and BioFouling…