Dr. Janice Pope named chair of Appalachian’s Department of Communication

After serving in an interim role for nine months, Dr. Janice Pope has been named chair of the Appalachian State University Department of Communication. Her appointment was effective March 1.

Pope earned her B.A. in public relations, her M.A. in journalism and her Ph.D. in mass communication, all from The University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa. Before coming to Appalachian, she worked as a reporter and photographer for an Alabama newspaper and in the private sector as a communication specialist.

As she begins her new role, Pope is looking forward to several projects. 

“I am eager to continue engaging our alumni and industry professionals in order to provide new opportunities for our students and faculty,” she said. “I also look forward to conducting our first-ever program comprehensive review to assist our planning and strategizing efforts for the future.”

Pope has been with the department for 24 years and is a professor of public relations. She previously served as department chair from 2007-2014. Her research interests and  teaching specialties include media and society, public relations and crisis communication.

College of Fine and Applied Arts Dean Phyllis Kloda is pleased that Pope will continue to lead the Department of Communication in the chair role.

“Janice has an extensive background in leadership and deep commitment to and passion for the department” shared Kloda. “She strongly supports and advocates for the department and faculty, and I am confident in her skills and abilities.”

About the Department of Communication 

One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – advertising, communication studies, electronic media/broadcasting, journalism and public relations – and a minor in communication studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government and nonprofit organizations. 

About Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University, in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The transformational Appalachian experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and embrace diversity and difference. As one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina system, Appalachian enrolls about 19,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.

Dr. Janice Pope
Published: Mar 14, 2019 10:09am

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