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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“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.
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Florida Tech President Dr. Dwayne McCay- "It Really Is Rocket Science!"
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Advisory #9 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019The university is carefully monitoring Hurricane Dorian, as the storm’s primary impacts remain offshore.The…
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Florida Tech's British and American Literature class will offer a coffee hour presentation on Stephen Crane's Open Boat , November 20th at 2pm in the…
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Today is the 75th anniversary of Orson Welles’ broadcast of War of the Worlds that set off a panic nationwide as people prepared for a Martian invasion.…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech hear from Colleen Middlebrooks, director of community relations at The Scott Center for Autism Treatment, and Bill…
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Go inside the huddle with host Wes Sumner, on this edition of Inside Florida Tech.
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In this special edition of Inside Florida Tech, host Wes Sumner speaks with FIT Associate Professor, Dr. Brian Lail, about his experience at the Boston…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech hear from Dr. Anthony J. Catanese, president of Florida Tech, as he talks about the upcoming event Moon River,…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech hear from Dr. Guy Boy, director of the Human-Centered Design Institute and a university professor. Hear about…
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On this edition of Inside Florida Tech hear from Dr. Ron Reichard, professor of engineering and coordinator of senior design for the College of…