Jennings Franklin Bryant, Jr. died Oct. 14. He was 76.

Bryant made major contributions to the field of mass communication. His work focused on media use and children.

He published 27 books, 160 journal articles and book chapters, and more than 250 conference papers throughout his career. Bryant served as a professor emeritus, endowed chair and associate dean at the University of Alabama.

In 2018, he was inducted into the Alabama Communication Hall of Fame.

“Jennings was a remarkable person. He was a deep thinker and prolific scholar, a gifted writer, an outstanding mentor, a wonderful teacher and a gentle, kind and caring person,” associate dean Walter Gantz said. “He worked hard and was always available, yet he also very much appreciated the importance of balancing work with the rest of life. Jennings was devoted to his family, family life focused, joyous and filled with love.”

Bryant was active in community service and invested in his students, family and community.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Dunker Bryant, his children and their spouses, his stepdaughters, his sisters, his brother-in-law and his seven grandchildren.

His daughter Alison taught at IU for several years as well.