James L. Gaudino

James L. Gaudino is an American retired academic administrator who was the 14th President of Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, from 2009 to 2021.

Education Gaudino earned a bachelor's degree from the United States Air Force Academy and served in California, Turkey, and Germany. He then earned a master's degree in management from Troy University and a PhD in communications from Michigan State University.

Career Gaudino's research focuses on public relations and public opinion formation. Prior to joining Central Washington University, Gaudino founded the College of Communication and Information at Kent State University and worked on the faculty of the Michigan State University Department of Advertising. He was executive director of the National Communication Association. Gaudino took office as president on January 1, 2009. In 2020, Gaudino announced that he would retire from his position in 2021. He retired on June 6, 2021, and was succeeded the following day by James Wohlpart.