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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Hear about the Scott Center for Autism Treatment's upcoming Autism Seminar, on this edition of Inside Florida Tech.
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech we welcome Kim Ellis, from the International Space University SSP program, taking place this summer as a…
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Florida Tech's Coach Engelhart talks about the upcoming football event, Inside the Huddle. Find out the details on this edition of Inside Florida Tech.
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On Inside Florida Tech Wes Sumner talks to Dr. Guy Boy about the International Space University, ISU, in the Space Studies Program. Dr. Boy is organizing…
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Wes Sumner talks with Business students about their international business project, Ex Culture Project, which is a multi-layered business plan. To hear…
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Wes Sumner talks with Chairman Mark Malloch and Outreach Coordinator Colleen Middlebrooks of the Evening Of Hope 4, the fourth annual Autism benefit at…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech, we sit down with music program members, David Jarkey, Melissa Sharp and Rob Stone about the upcoming music events…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech, we talk with the President, Director and PR Officer of College Players, about their upcoming Spring show "Lend Me…
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Dr. Catanese and the President of the Indialantic Rotary club on Inside Florida Tech. It's all about Moonriver Music and Magic.
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech, we speak with Cliff and Mary Bragdon about the upcoming event "Moonriver Music and Magic". Listen right here, in…
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The Astronomy Lecture Series is being held at Florida Tech by the astronomy professor from Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Matt Wood.
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On this segment of Inside Florida Tech, Dr Roger Manly, Professor of Management and Organizational Psychology at Nathan M. Bisk College of Business, talks…