We are sad to announce that Ted Beattie, former School of Communication alumni advancement board member, died of complications from pneumonia on Jan. 6. Ted Beattie (Journalism, ‘71) also received his master’s degree in public relations from Ohio State. 

Beattie was president and CEO of John G. Shedd Aquarium from 1994 to 2016. Overseeing the creation of the Shedd Aquarium, Beattie renovated some of the Aquarium’s most popular exhibits, including the Wild Reef in 2003 and the Abbott Oceanarium marine mammal pavilion in 2009. The Shedd staff describe Beattie as a “pioneer and visionary” leader.

After retirement, Beattie continued to serve on the aquarium’s board of directors. Beattie had also worked as executive director of the Knoxville Zoo. President George W. Bush appointed Beattie to serve on the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy in 2001, where he helped develop a national strategy on a range of issues from stewardship of marine resources to enhancing and supporting marine science, commerce and transportation. 

To read more about Beattie, visit his Donor Spotlight on the School of Comm website or his online obituary.