Lindsey Aloia, associate professor of communication and previously the director of honor studies in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, has been appointed associate dean in the Graduate School and International Education, effective Aug. 21.

In her new role, Aloia will lead the school's international education efforts and supervise the offices of Sponsored Students and Special Programs, International Students and Scholars, Study Abroad and International Exchange, and the university's Rome Center. She will also oversee international recruiting efforts.

She steps into the role after eight years in Fulbright College, beginning as an assistant professor of communication before her promotion to associate professor in 2020. Additionally, she served as the director for the Center for Communication Research from 2018-2021 before becoming director of honors studies in 2021.

Her research focuses on the causes and consequences of verbal aggression in interpersonal communications. Specifically, she studies how qualities of interpersonal interactions, as well as individuals, shape the use of and reactions to verbally aggressive experiences. Her work considers consequential communication and illuminates the personal, relational and health implications of verbal aggression.

She has won the university's 2023 Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award and the 2021 John E. King Award for Outstanding Service, as well as the 2020 Janice Hocker Rushing Early Career Research Award from the Southern States Communication Association, among other accolades.

"I am thrilled to serve as an associate dean in the Graduate School and International Education," Aloia said. "I admire the school's commitment to recruiting, retaining and graduating diverse high-caliber students in an inclusive environment. In addition, I am honored to work alongside bold leadership, impressive faculty, dedicated staff and talented students."

Aloia replaces Fran Hagstrom, who stepped down as associate dean to become head of the Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy.

"We are so excited to have Dr. Aloia joining us to lead our international education efforts," said Ed Pohl, dean of the Graduate School and International Education. "In her time as a faculty member and director, she has demonstrated a commitment to students and research that embodies the work we do in GSIE. She will be a valued member of our leadership team as we seek to expand graduate enrollment efforts, prioritize student success and continue raising awareness of the importance of international exchange on our campus."

Aloia holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies from The College of New Jersey, a master's degree in communication from the University of Delaware and a doctorate in communication arts and sciences from The Pennsylvania State University.