A founder of the journalism and media studies graduate program at USF St. Petersburg will be the university's new interim regional associate vice chancellor for research and graduate studies.

Robert Dardenne, 60, came to USF St. Petersburg in 1991 as the second faculty member hired in the department of journalism and media studies. A Fulbright professor, he has taught journalism in Shanghai and has lectured on American journalism practices, news and democracy in Nigeria.

Locally, he is vice president of Speak Up Tampa Bay, the board that oversees public access television in Tampa and Hillsborough County. Dardenne's appointment begins July 23.

- Donna Winchester, Pinellas education reporter