Dr. Dale Van Cantfort, or DVC as he is often referred to by the mass communications department at Piedmont University, has been a dedicated faculty member since August 2002. He has been, as department chair Joe Dennis said, “the quintessential Piedmont faculty member.”
Van Cantfort first came to Piedmont through his work at the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, as well as his connections with the former dean of the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications at UGA, Dr. Tom Russell. Russell was serving as a special assistant to Piedmont College’s then-president, Dr. Ray Cleere.
“Tom contacted me to see if I would be interested in coming back to Georgia to help establish the mass communications department at Piedmont University,” said Van Cantfort. “After visiting the campus and meeting the professors already in the department, Dr. Moss and Dr. Blakeslee, Tara and I decided to return to Georgia.”
Dennis said, “Along with Dr. Janice Moss, DVC has been one of the faculty members who helped develop the mass communications department into what it is today. Over the years, he has impacted the lives of hundreds of students, and several MCOM alumni can thank DVC for helping them secure their first job in the industry.”
Madison Gott is a Piedmont graduate from the class of 2023. She was a student of Van Cantfort and is a former station manager for Z98.7 FM, the student-run radio station at Piedmont University. She currently works as the morning host of 107.7 The Breeze at WCON in Cornelia, GA.
“DVC has impacted my career as much as he impacted my education,” said Gott. “He not only believed in me but helped me get a job at WCON on 107.7 The Breeze. He is a wonderful teacher, mentor and radio professional.”
Van Cantfort has been the advisor for Z98.7 FM, the student-run radio station at Piedmont University, since 2014. He’s been teaching students about audio production since he first came to Piedmont in 2002. He has been the instructor of the department’s capstone class since he became the chair in 2008. He relinquished his chair duties in 2018 to give more time to be home with his family. His impact goes far beyond his office or in the classroom. DVC is an influential father figure to some and a friend to others, but overall, he is a wise mentor to all.
“Not only is he a strong influence on students while they’re here, but he stays in touch with students after they graduate,” said Dennis. “But he’s also had a huge impact on faculty that will be felt beyond his retirement. I’m certainly thankful for his leadership – knowing he was my faculty senator was one of the things that kept me at Piedmont.”
“From the standpoint of my professional career in education, it was just what I wanted,” said Van Cantfort. “Piedmont’s small class sizes allowed me to really get to know our students and allowed me to find ways to help many of them to reach their educational and career goals.”
Van Cantfort said that the most fulfilling part about being a full-time professor has been seeing so many alumni become successful in the mass communications industry.
While he may miss introducing students to the world of radio and audio production, Van Cantfort is excited to be spending more time with his family and friends. His wife, Tara Van Cantfort, spoke of DVC’s many passions, including gardening, cooking, playing tennis, and attending UGA sporting events. While retirement will leave more time for all of DVC’s passions, he will also have more time to spend with his family.
“Our daughters do not live nearby,” said Tara Van Cantfort. “Being retired means we can see them more often.”
Piedmont University and the Mass Communications department will gravely miss Dr. Van Cantfort. Dennis’s gratitude for Van Cantfort was unending.
This quote from Dennis perfectly describes DVC’s character, drive, adaptability, and personal impact on every person whose life he touches:
“DVC has been a mentor and a role model for me in both his teaching and his leadership…It’s his selfless leadership pursuit of what is right that I not only admire but strive to adopt in my own leadership. He doesn’t just teach students. He makes students want to learn. He’s always updating his lessons and staying current with the rapidly evolving mass communications industry. It’s not a stretch to say that when it comes to teaching and leadership, DVC is my idol.”
DVC’s impact has spread beyond the Mass Communications department. He has become a leading influential figure of what it means to amplify the voice of the student body. His leadership will be missed by students of the Mass Communications department as well as Piedmont University.
