"Dean, Scripps College of Communication"

Ohio University (OHIO), an R1 research university and the oldest public university in the state of Ohio, seeks an accomplished and visionary leader to serve as Dean of the Scripps College of Communication (Scripps College). The dean will lead a diverse academic ecosystem with energy and vision, elevating Scripps College to new levels of success and promise. The dean will join the college at a time when innovative, forward-thinking change is celebrated and in motion. The dean will be well positioned to lead and advance this charge amongst a motivated Ohio community and beyond.

The Scripps College of Communication is home to a host of dynamic undergraduate and graduate academic programs in five schools: the School of Communication Studies; the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism; the J. Warren McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies; the School of Media Arts and Studies; and the School of Visual Communication. The college is a leader in experiential learning and hosts several expansive innovative technology initiatives as a part of its broader mission. Faculty experts in the college are teaching across emerging technology spaces, publishing cutting-edge research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing strategies for storytelling in a rapidly changing world. The college is committed to impactful scholarship, the discovery of new knowledge, and the application of knowledge in practice, combining education with experience and convergence. As such, the college offers courses that incorporate education into industry practice and provides a range of traveling and regional experiences to connect students with invaluable career opportunities.

The five schools in the college distinguish themselves as leaders in their respective fields. The college has seen the Schools of Journalism and Visual Communication produce Pulitzer-winning, industry-defining journalists and photographers for decades; the School of Media Arts and Studies is ranked as one of the top 50 media programs in the U.S; the School of Communication Studies is one of the largest programs at Ohio University; the School of Emerging Communication Technologies produces ground-breaking work in XR and game development, information technology, and cybersecurity. Faculty are leading the charge in teaching innovative technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategies for storytelling in an ever-more-connected society. Students do not just read about what is new and next — they navigate, apply, and lead it.

OHIO students learn by doing. They are offered many educational experiences beyond the classroom, giving each student the insights and experience needed to hit the ground running in these competitive industries. Scripps's students are offered exceptional career development, extensive internship opportunities, and access to one of the strongest alumni networks in the country. Scripps students graduate with impressive internships and real-world experience guided by faculty experts at the top of their field. Over 60 Pulitzers have been awarded to its alumni, students, and faculty.

Founded in 1968, the Scripps College of Communication has been a national leader in diverse areas across communication, media, and technology. The dean will be expected to lead these five schools and five centers with vision, and in partnership with the directors of the schools. The college carries a strong legacy of excellence, and this position will afford the next leader the opportunity to carry on that tradition. The dean will focus on fundraising, attracting and retaining talented faculty and staff, and telling and expanding the story of this renowned academic institution. The dean will work to strengthen industry relationships locally and nationally to ensure that the college has access to internships, sponsorships, guest speakers, and inspiring professionals.

Reporting directly to Dr. Donald J. Leo, Executive Vice President and Provost, the dean will be an inspiring leader with an unwavering commitment to the Scripps College of Communication, ensuring that its needs are represented and prioritized within the university's strategic priorities. The dean will foster an environment that enables interdisciplinary collaborations to thrive, allowing the college to contribute to the creative and research agenda throughout the university. The dean will serve as a facilitator, bridge builder, and obstacle remover to support faculty research, college learning outcomes, and utilize resources effectively. The dean will meet with the faculty, staff, students, and Dean's Advisory Council regularly in the spirit of strong shared governance.

The next dean will steward and cultivate existing and new relationships to advance the college's philanthropic priorities, including alumni relations, sponsorship, special events, and fundraising. The dean will demonstrate significant intellectual curiosity and possess the ability to effectively represent the work of the students, faculty, and academic programs across all disciplines. The dean will actively listen to the needs of faculty and staff to create and collaboratively execute a strategic vision. Most importantly, the dean will be relatable, student-centric, have impeccable character, and be fully committed to Ohio University.

The candidate must possess an earned terminal degree in a related field, demonstrate expertise in their field, show a record of creativity and competence in research and scholarship, and prove their ability as an effective teacher. Upon appointment, candidates must be eligible for tenure at the rank of full professor in one of the schools within the Scripps College of Communication.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, available here.

WittKieffer is assisting Ohio University with this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by Friday, February 6, 2026.

Nominations, applications, and inquiries may be directed to Melissa Fincher, Jenna Brumleve, and Bronwen Bares Pelaez, Ph.D. at OhioDeanCommunications@wittkieffer.com