Dr. Robert Gene Wiggins

Dr. Robert Gene Wiggins earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern Miss.  After completing his Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University, he became a member of the USM faculty in 1973, teaching courses in journalism, media law, and public relations.  He served as director of the USM School of Communication from 1981-2001.  Prior to completing his doctorate, Dr. Wiggins worked for the Jackson Daily News and for the Hattiesburg American.  He also served as a public information officer in the U.S. Air Force.  He has authored numerous publications, including books, book chapters and journal articles in the area of mass communication law.  At the time of his induction into the School of Mass Communication and Journalism Hall of Fame in 2006, he was the director of the school’s graduate program and in his 33^rd year as a member of the school’s faculty.