Barnes Named Associate Dean in Communications

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 5, 2010) - Beth Barnes, director of the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications in the College of Communications and Information Studies will now also be serving as the college’s associate dean for Undergraduate and International Studies, a position newly created in the college.

As associate dean, Barnes will help recruit and retain undergraduate students in the college, as well as develop new international studies initiatives.

"Barnes brings an outstanding portfolio of talent and experience to this position and we look forward to her leadership as we recruit and retain undergraduate students, and as we develop new international studies initiatives," said Dan O'Hair, dean of the college.

To adjust for her new set of responsibilities in addition to continuing her position as director, professor Scoobie Ryan has now become the associate director of the School of Journalism and Telecommunications.

As associate director, Ryan is now focusing on student services and teaching support issues. She will primarily focus on class scheduling, advising and registration questions, in addition to overseeing major program contracts, the school's assessment process, the JAT 399 internship program, and the junior faculty and teaching assistants assigned to the school.