Kean appointed interim dean of College of Fine Arts and Communication
Dr. Linda Kean, professor of communication, has been appointed interim dean of East Carolina University’s College of Fine Arts and Communication. Kean’s appointment has been approved by the UNC Board of Governors; she will serve as acting dean beginning June 1 and will become interim dean effective July 1.
Kean is a longtime Pirate who has stepped up to lead within the college throughout her career, including serving as director of the School of Communication since 2009 and as acting director for two years prior. She led the development of the Master of Arts in communication with an emphasis in health communication and has been widely recognized for her teaching, including as recipient of the Office of Global Affairs’ 2019 International Teaching Award.
A steadfast proponent of global studies, she has helped promote international experiences for both students and faculty throughout the School of Communication. Her passion for sharing a global perspective on communication dates to an undergraduate semester abroad at the Universidad de Sevilla. She plans to continue that commitment to global studies, as well as the college’s work to address issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
“I’m very excited about this role and I’m honored to have been given the opportunity to lead,” Kean said. “This college has outstanding faculty, staff and administrators, and I am looking forward to helping extend the vision of the college and its schools.”
Kean joined ECU’s faculty as an assistant professor in 1998, became an associate professor in 2004, and earned the rank of professor in 2013. She received her Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism from the University of Illinois-Urbana and her master’s and doctoral degrees in communication arts from the University of Wisconsin.
“Dr. Kean brings with her a wide range of leadership experiences as well as a deep dedication to serve,” said Dr. Grant Hayes, interim provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. “I have complete confidence in Dr. Kean as a leader and I look forward to working with her.”
Kean will succeed Dr. Chris Buddo, who has served as the college’s dean since 2012. Buddo, a double bassist, said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve as dean and that he looks forward to returning to teaching in the School of Music.
“She brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the dean’s position,” Buddo said of Kean. “Her longtime leadership in the college means that she has had the opportunity to learn about all of our schools, and she knows our faculty. I believe the experience she brings will make for an extremely smooth transition. Furthermore, Dr. Kean has always been a leader with an energetic and creative vision. I am excited for her to bring that vision to the college level.”
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