Three finalists have been named to fill the Scripps College of Communication dean position — a position that has been vacant for more than a year.
Ohio University’s Provost’s Office announced Monday the finalists are Scott Titsworth, interim dean since June 2011; David Perlmutter, professor and director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa; and Gracie Lawson-Borders, professor of communication and journalism and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Wyoming.
“Ohio University is seeking a dean who can help the Scripps College become the primary destination for students interested in defining the future of their fields,” said Ann Fidler, chief of staff for the provost and chief financial officer, in an email.
Titsworth has also served as the director and associate director for graduate studies at OU’s School of Communication Studies. His 2012–13 salary is $150,000.
“I have learned a great deal as interim dean and continue to grow each day,” Titsworth said in his dean application letter. “Likewise, I have witnessed areas of growth in each of our programs and truly believe that we have initiated a new level of momentum in our journey as a nationally respected College of Communication.”
Each dean will spend two days on campus interviewing for the position beginning with Titsworth Nov. 26 to 27.
Perlmutter, who will be visiting campus Nov. 28 to 29, has also served as the associate dean for graduate studies and research for three years at the University of Kansas and headed the political communication department for five years at the Louisiana State University.
Perlmutter said he would like to work with students to get more experience with student media.
“I know from talking to people they want to hire students with the most professional experience and internships,” Perlmutter said. “But student media or doing things in the classroom is really important as well.”
Lawson-Borders, who will be visiting campus Dec. 3 to 4, has served as the University of Wyoming’s director of African American and Diaspora Studies for three years and as a professor at Kent State University.
“It’s really just important to remember that communication is key to success to move into the new building,” Lawson-Borders said. “That is going to be a wonderful opportunity for Scripps students, and it would be my pleasure in organizing and getting everyone moved in their new building.”
OU previously spent $70,370 to fill the position after an offer was made in September 2011, but ultimately failed in the search, according to a previous Post article.
Greg Shepherd, who left for a similar position at the University of Miami, was one of 163 OU employees who took an $80,000 buyout option, according to a previous Post article.
sj950610@ohiou.edu
