Isabella Cunningham

Isabella C. M. Cunningham is the Ernest A. Sharpe Centennial Professor in Communication at The University of Texas at Austin. She joined the Department of Advertising at UT as an Assistant Professor in 1974, after serving one year as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Marketing and two years at St. Edward’s University as an Assistant Professor of Marketing and Acting Dean.

Dr. Cunningham was promoted to Associate Professor in 1976 and to Professor in 1981, receiving her current endowed professorship in 1983. From 1978 to 1985 she served as Chair of the Department of Advertising. Dr. Cunningham has authored and co-authored several books and numerous articles. She has been active on many university committees, and served as Chair of the Women’s Athletics Council for seven years. She is a member of several professional and honorary associations and editorial boards, and has done extensive consulting work. Dr. Cunningham is active as an expert witness in Advertising for past and current legal work throughout the country.

In addition, Dr. Cunningham has been active in many civic organizations, currently serving on the boards of the National Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian), St. Edward’s University, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and Austin Smiles, as well as chairing the Daughters of Charity Health Services of Austin Planning Council and serving as a member of the Campaign Executive Committee of the Allan Shivers Radiation Therapy Center, among others. She has also been appointed to a two-year term to the Sunset Advisory Commission of the State of Texas.

Dr. Cunningham received J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from universities in Brazil where she spent most of her childhood. She came to the United States in 1966 and earned an M.B.A. and a Ph.D. in Marketing from Michigan State University. Dr. Cunningham is married to William H. Cunningham, Chancellor of The University of Texas System, and they have one son.