Erica Austin, professor in the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication, has been elected by her colleagues, supported by the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and approved by the provost to assume leadership of the school. Austin’s appointment, a one-year directorship extendable to two years, begins immediately.
“Professor Austin received strong support from her colleagues,” said Erich Lear, dean of liberal arts, following faculty balloting. “That support, combined with universitywide respect for her leadership abilities and research excellence, give me confidence that she will build on the tremendous accomplishments Alexis Tan facilitated over the past two decades as director. I predict that a period of tremendous growth lies ahead for the school,” said Lear.
Tan’s tenure as director of the Murrow School lasted 20 years, through the spring 2006 semester. Tan held the position when Austin joined the school in 1989.
“It’s amazing to me how much the school has grown in quality and stature since that time,” commented Austin. “It is such a privilege and an honor to take on this leadership role, and I am looking forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, students and supporters to continue building momentum toward our long-term goals of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education and an international reputation for our scholarly and creative achievements.”
Austin earned her B.A. with special honors in journalism with an emphasis in the arts from George Washington University. Her M.A. and Ph.D. in communication are from Stanford University. Austin’s research focuses on the uses of media in decision making and social development.
In particular, she studies the interplay of media and parental influences in children’s decisions about health, politics and social reality. Austin also studies political decision making and disaffection among adults. She is widely published on media literacy, family communication and health issues and has advised a number of organizations nationwide as well as the federal government on the development and evaluation of media literacy curricula.
“I am very grateful for the positive and forward-looking participation of members of the Murrow School in this selection process,” said Lear in an electronic note sent Tuesday to liberal arts staff and faculty announcing the provost’s approval of Austin. Lear’s e-mail also commended Austin’s willingness to serve, the Murrow School advisory board’s support for the school’s future and the patience of all during the nomination and selection process.
“What has made the Edward R. Murrow School distinctive among communications schools around the country has been the balance between academic research and the clinical application through a strong tie to the professional communications industry,” said John P. McDonagh, publisher of the Vancouver Business Journal and president of the Murrow School’s advisory board. McDonagh, a 1975 graduate of the school’s advertising program, called Austin “an excellent choice” and said she brings success in both research and application to the position of interim director.
“The momentum of the Murrow School built over the last two decades needs strong leadership during this transition, and the Murrow Professional Advisory Board is excited to work with Dr. Austin building on the momentum and assuring future students not only learn but live the Murrow legacy,” McDonagh said.
“I deeply appreciate the confidence expressed in me,” said Austin in an e-mail sent this week to the school’s staff, faculty and advisory board. “Over the next few months, I will be doing my best to learn the basics and nuances of this new role, and I will welcome your feedback.”
