University mourns the loss of longtime professor and associate dean

On Oct. 4, longtime professor and associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Danny “Dan” Brown passed away at Vanderbilt University Medical Center at the age of 70 following a short battle with cancer.

Dr. Brown joined the ETSU faculty in 1984 as a professor in the Department of Communication and was named the associate dean of student affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences in 1989. He became the graduate coordinator for the Master of Professional Communication in July 2010. He was still working at the university in those roles when he passed.

“We all lost an amazing scholar, mentor, friend and champion for students,” said Stephen Marshall, Chair of the Department of Media and Communication. “In my decade of ETSU service, I’ve witnessed and received Dr. Brown’s unmatched mentoring in more ways than I can ever count.”

Dr. Brown was also known for his relationships with his students, and his obituary in the Johnson City Press said he advised thousands of students during his 32 year tenure at ETSU.

“Many undergraduate and graduate students have Dr. Brown to thank for not only their educational path but also for helping students make the right choices in life,” he said. “He always listened and shared the highest ethical principles with all.”

Dr. Brown specialized in mass communications with an interest in popular culture, sports and television and earned his undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and his master’s from Western Carolina University. Before he earned a doctoral degree in the processes and effects of mass communication from the University of Massachusetts, he worked as a coach and public school teacher.

Dr. Brown also authored or co-authored eighteen book chapters in his field and had seven articles featured in journals.

Aside from his dedication to his students and career, Dr. Brown enjoyed playing golf, reading and watching movies.

“Because of his role in our college and in our department, he positively impacted thousands of our students,” Marshall said. “I am forever thankful to him, and I’m a better human because of him.”