Distinguished Alumni Award
Kathleen A. Dore 72BA, 84MBA
Kathleen A. Dore, 72BA, 84MBA, president of the Bravo Networks, is one of cable television's top executives.
An Iowa City native, Dore worked at the University of Iowa Alumni Association from 1977 to 1981. Through her efforts as associate director, the UIAA experienced phenomenal growth in both membership and programming. While at the Association, Dore implemented the Volunteer Alumni Counselor Program and created a model women's program that was copied by other alumni associations around the country.
Dore entered the cable television industry in 1982, when she joined Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc., and, from 1986 to 1988, she served as regional director of the American Movie Classics Company.
In 1988, Dore joined Bravo as executive vice president and general manager. Over the next eight years, she worked her way to the top of the organization. Within a three-year period, she restructured Bravo and managed its turnaround from a failing premium cable network into a profitable basic network. She launched The Independent Film Channel and nurtured it into the leading independent film channel. Dore also led the successful expansion of Bravo into Canada and Latin America, and she spearheaded the vertical integration of the company into feature film production with the formation of IFC Productions and Next Wave Films. In 1996, she was named president of the Bravo Networks, which include Bravo, The Independent Film Channel, Bravo International, IFC Productions, and MuchMusic.
Although deeply engaged in one of the most competitive and demanding businesses in this country, Dore has continued to be involved with the University of Iowa, building on her earlier service to the UI Alumni Association, and she has proven herself to be an excellent role model for young women everywhere.
Dore is a life member of the UI Alumni Association.
About Distinguished Alumni Awards
Since 1963, the University of Iowa has annually recognized accomplished alumni and friends with Distinguished Alumni Awards. Awards are presented in seven categories: Achievement, Service, Hickerson Recognition, Faculty, Staff, Recent Graduate, and Friend of the University.