School of Journalism

Joe M. Dealey, Jr., 61, is a native Dallasite and fourth generation member of pioneer Texas newspaper family that founded The Dallas Morning News in October 1885.  He was a reporter and editorial staff writer for The News, and vice president of the newspaper’s parent A.H. Belo Corp.

Mr. Dealey was director of public affairs for the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board from 1984 until 1999.  In this position he was responsible for planning and implementing the board’s media and public relations programs, and assisted with the board’s legislative affairs programs in Austin and Washington, D.C.

Mr. Dealey is recognized as an expert in media relations and issues management during risk or crisis communications situations.  His handling of the media during two major aircraft crashes in 1985 and 1988 is widely credited with changing the way airports nationwide deal with media during major emergency events.

Mr. Dealey was graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio in 1970.  He has been listed in Who’s Who in the South and Southwest and Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America.  He holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve (Retired).  His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Texas Medal of Merit.

Following Mr. Dealey’s retirement from the DFW Airport Board, his career efforts were recognized by the University of North Texas when he was inducted into the Department of Journalism’s prestigious C. E. Shuford Hall of Honor.

Mr. Dealey is a Member of The American Society and The Priority in the United States of America of The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem; an Honorary Trustee of the Texas Health Resources Foundation; a Trustee of the Dallas Historical Society; a Member of the Advisory Board of the Frank T. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas, Denton; and a Thirty-Three Degree IGH of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, United Sates.

Mr. Dealey is married and the father of two adult children, Christopher Charles Dealey, and Beverly Claire Eileen Dealey.