Dr. Janice Pope’s appointment as interim dean of Appalachian’s College of Fine and Applied Arts went into effect Aug. 5. She is a professor of public relations in the college’s Department of Communication. Photo by Chase Reynolds
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University announces the appointment of Dr. Janice Pope, professor in Appalachian’s Department of Communication, as interim dean of the university’s College of Fine and Applied Arts. Her new role took effect Aug. 5.
A national search for a permanent dean for the college will begin in the 2019–20 academic year.
“With her proven dedication to Appalachian and to her community, Janice is well-prepared to serve as interim dean for the College of Fine and Applied Arts,” said Dr. Darrell Kruger, provost and executive vice chancellor.
“The College of Fine and Applied Arts is integral to the mission of Appalachian. We educate students to go and make a difference in their communities and the world,” Pope said. “I look forward to serving as interim dean during this transition time for the college.”
Pope, who is beginning her 25th year of employment at Appalachian, joined the university’s faculty in 1995. She has previously served as chair of the Department of Communication (2018–19), as well as assistant chair (2006–07) and chair (2007–13) of the department.
Dr. Scott Welsh, associate professor of communication studies, is currently serving as interim dean of the Department of Communication.
In her time at Appalachian, Pope has been a faculty member in the university’s Appalachian studies program and Honors College, as well as a member of the board of directors for BRIDGES Academic Leadership for Women — a professional development program for women in higher education. She has also served as chair of the university’s Council of Chairs.
She is a trained mediator for the North Carolina Office of Human Resources, and, in 2006, she received the College of Fine and Applied Arts’ Outstanding Faculty Award.
Pope holds a B.A. in public relations, an M.A. in journalism and a 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.
Her research interests and teaching specialties include media and society, public relations and crisis communication.
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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. Learn more at https://communication.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
