The Department of Communication extends its gratitude to associate professor Bob Brady, who stepped down from the position of department chair after 20 years of service in that role. Brady will continue his work in the department as a faculty member, as director of the department's online program, and as director of interdisciplinary studies.

During Brady's two decades of leadership, the Department of Communication has grown to include a top-notch newly renovated research facility to support its internationally known researchers, a nationally recognized Master of Arts program, more than 70 instructional faculty, more than 700 majors, and a robust online major that generates its own funding and resources.

Over the years, Brady has hired more than 20 faculty members, a dozen instructors and several dozen lecturers. He has been a powerful advocate for those faculty, as well as for staff and students in the Department of Communication. For his outstanding work, Brady has received many awards, including the Fulbright College Outstanding Advisor Award, the Faculty Member of the Year Award and the John King Service Award.

Associate professor Stephanie Schulte will serve the Department of Communication as its new chair.