Arizona State University announced Wednesday that it appointed a new interim dean for its journalism school days after it revoked its job offer to the previous nominee following student concerns.
The new interim dean is a familiar face in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She’s Reynolds Professor in Business Journalism Kristin Gilger. She also leads ASU’s Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism and the National Center on Disability and Journalism.
“As a leader in journalism for decades and a part of the Cronkite School leadership team since 2007, Professor Gilger is well positioned to step in and continue advancing the Cronkite School as we search for a permanent dean,” said university Provost Mark Searle.
ASU had previously offered the position to Sonya Forte Duhé who was set to start in July. It revoked the offer after the student newspaper, the State Press, uncovered allegations of racism and mistreatment of former students by Duhé.
Gilger's appointment is effective immediately.
“To say that I’m honored to be your interim dean is an understatement. The Cronkite School has been my home for the past 15 years, and I have been privileged to be part of its growth into the country’s premier program in journalism and mass communication,” Gilger said.
“I want to also acknowledge how difficult the past few weeks have been for the school. But I’m convinced that not only will we recover, we will learn from this experience and we will be a better school as a result."
