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Northwestern sets search committee for new dean of School of Communication

Northwestern University announced today the formation of a search committee to identify the next dean of the School of Communication. Dean Barbara O’Keefe announced in August that she will step down in 2020 after 20 years of service as dean.

The committee will be chaired by Molly Losh, professor in the School of Communication, and the JoAnn and Peter Dolle Chair in Learning Disabilities in the Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. The committee includes representatives from the student body, staff and faculty who will identify a slate of candidates. A search firm will be engaged to support the search.

Provost Jonathan Holloway said the committee will begin its work immediately and will engage the Northwestern community throughout the fall to solicit input about the desired attributes and experience of the next dean and to seek assistance in identifying prospects. There will be opportunities for students, staff, faculty and alumni to offer feedback for the committee to inform the search.

Members of the Northwestern community are invited to share feedback, submit questions and recommend candidates by contacting the search committee at CommunicationDean@northwestern.edu.

Committee Members:

  • Molly Losh, Chair, professor in the School of Communication, and the JoAnn and Peter Dolle Chair in Learning Disabilities in the Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Joshua Chambers-Letson, associate professor and director, graduate studies, performance studies, School of Communication
  • Elizabeth Gerber, associate professor of mechanical engineering and (by courtesy) computer science, Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science; assistant professor of technology and social behavior, Communication Studies, School of Communication
  • Darren Gergle, professor, communication studies, School of Communication
  • Henry Godinez, professor, theatre, School of Communication
  • Marilyn Hall, business administrator, communication sciences and disorders, School of Communication
  • Jeanette Ortiz, director of undergraduate programs and advising; lecturer, communication sciences and disorders, School of Communication
  • Miriam Petty, associate professor and director of graduate studies, screen cultures, radio/television/film, School of Communication
  • Janice Radway, Walter Dill Scott Professor of Communication Studies, School of Communication; director, gender studies and professor, American studies, Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
  • Ramón Rivera-Servera, department chair and professor, performance studies, School of Communication
  • Akshar Thakkar, undergraduate class of 2020, School of Communication
  • Charles Whitaker, dean and professor, Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications 

The following members of the Office of the Provost will serve as search committee staff:

  • Andrea Bueschel, associate provost for strategy and policy, Office of the Provost
  • Dan Pattley, coordinator for strategy and policy, Office of the Provost
  • Samantha Haevers, administrative assistant, Office of the Provost