Richard Robert Ranta

Background

Ranta, Richard Robert was born on November 18, 1943 in Virginia, Minnesota, United States. Son of V. Robert and Bernice (Smith) Ranta.

Education

AS, Hibbing Community College, Minnesota, 1963. Bachelor of Science, University Minnesota, 1965. Master of Arts, Cornell University, 1967.

Doctor of Philosophy, University Iowa, 1974.

Career

Floor director Station KDAL-television, Duluth, Minnesota, 1964-1965. Assistant professor University Virginia, Charlottesville, 1969-1972, University Memphis, 1972-1975, associate professor, 1975-1991, professor, since 1991, interim dean University College, 1975, assistant vice president academic affairs, 1976-1978, dean College Communications and Fine Arts, since 1977. General manager High Water Records, Memphis, since 1980.

Board directors Concerts International, Memphis, president, 1988-1990. Television consultant, free-lance producer, since 1973. Member Recording Hall of Fame selection panel National Recording Academy, Los Angeles, 1986-2000.

Vice-chairman Gilliam Communications, since 1992.

Achievements

• Richard Robert Ranta has been listed as a noteworthy university dean by Marquis Who's Who.

Membership

Chairman, vice president Tennessee Humanities Council, Nashville, 1980-1982. Vice president Memphis Development Foundation, 1983-1986. Board directors Leadership Memphis, 1987-1990, 94-97, chairman marketing committee, 1987-1990, chairman selection committee, 1994-1995.

Board directors Life Blood, Memphis, 1984-1992. Treasurer Memphis-Shelby County Film and television Commission, 1986-1998, chair, 1999-2002, board directors, since 2002. Member Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission, Nashville, 1987-1997, chairman, 1993-1995.

Chairman board directors Crime Stoppers Memphis Association, 1993-1995. Chairman Memphis Arts Festival, 1992-1994;board directors Tennessee Arts Commission, 2000-2006. Member National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (vice president 1986-1988, 92-93, chairman education committee 1983—2001, trustee 1982-1986, 88-92, 93-97, president Memphis chapter 1984-1986, board governors 1978-1998), Southern States Communications Association (president 1987-1988, finance board 1985-1987, 93-95, executive director 1995—2000), Tennessee Speech Communications Association (president 1986-1987, editor Communicator since 1993), National Communications Association (vice chairman, then chairman experimental learning committee 1979-1983, member finance and administration committees 1989-1993, chairman finance committee 1991-1993), American Communications Journal(editorial board, since 1997), Southern Arts Federation (board directors 1994-2000, since 2003, treasurer), International Council Fine Arts Deans (parliamentarian 1996-2000), Tennessee Arts and Sciences Deans Association (chair 1997-1998), Advertising Federation (board directors 2001-2003), Delta Sailing Association Club (secretary 1984-2000), Memphis Rotary International Club (president-elect, assistant district governors since 2008), National Metal Museum (board directors since 2004, greater memphis greenways board member, since 2009), Memphis Art Pack Communications.

Interests

• Avocations: sailing, tennis, photography.

Connections

1 child, Erick H.; married Carol Crown.

Father:

V. Robert Ranta

Mother:

Bernice (Smith) Ranta

Spouse:

Carol Crown.

child:

Erick H. Ranta