Maryanne Reed, dean of West Virginia University’s Reed College of Media, has been named interim dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, effective July 1. Rudy Almasy, who has been serving as Eberly’s interim dean, will retire on June 30.

“I am thrilled that Maryanne has agreed to step into this key role,” WVU Provost Joyce McConnell said. “Maryanne is an innovative and experienced academic leader with a track record of success. She will work collaboratively with Eberly’s administration and faculty in the humanities, social sciences and STEM fields to help move the college forward during this period of transition.”

Reed has served as dean of the College of Media, formerly the School of Journalism, since 2004 and has been a member of the faculty since 1993. Under her leadership, the College of Media has developed a national reputation for its hands-on curricula, quality online programs and focus on media innovation.

Reed has a professional background in television journalism and is an award-winning documentary producer. She frequently writes about future-of-media topics for the PBS blog, “MediaShift” and speaks on the subject nationally.

“I am honored and humbled to serve in this capacity for WVU,” Reed said. “I look forward to working with Eberly’s world-class faculty, outstanding staff and award-winning students on programs and initiatives that are vital to the continued success of the college.”

Reed named Widmeyer Professor and Associate Dean Diana Martinelli to serve as acting dean of the College of Media during her interim appointment at Eberly.

Almasy, a professor of English who has served three times as Eberly’s interim dean, says Reed is a strong choice for the position.

“I love this college and this university, and I have served both for more than 40 years,” Almasy said. “I am confident that with Maryanne at the helm, Eberly will continue to flourish while we search for a new permanent dean. Maryanne is a seasoned administrator and a great communicator who will bring a fresh perspective to our College.”

The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences is WVU’s largest academic unit, with more than 400 faculty, 36 undergraduate majors and 32 graduate programs.

The search for a permanent dean is currently under way. The search firm Greenwood-Asher is assisting with the process.

Provost McConnell anticipates bringing dean finalists to campus in early fall.

-WVU-

ac/05/08/15

CONTACT: University Relations/News
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Kimberly Walker; Reed College of Media
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