Arnold named dean of Rowan's College of Communication

A Rowan professor of communication studies since 1998, Arnold, a resident of Collingswood, has served as interim dean of the award-winning College of Communication for the past 18 months.

Arnold, who was appointed to the dean's position after a national search, also is a former chair of Rowan's Department of Communication Studies and is the former director of the University's public speaking course.

"This was a highly competitive national search, but, in the end, we found the best person to lead the College of Communication in our own backyard," says Rowan Provost Ali Houshmand.

"I am confident that Dean Arnold will continue to provide the kind of strong leadership that she has demonstrated these past 18 months and that she will continue to position the College to a level of prominence in the region and beyond."

An expert in the field of interpersonal and family communication, Arnold, the mother of six children, is the author of Family Communication: Theory and Research (Allyn & Bacon, 2008). She serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Family Communication. Most recently, her research efforts have examined mothers' understandings of gender socialization, mothering and eating disorders, and online parenting communities.

Arnold is eager to build connections between the College of Communication and the community.

"One of the key reasons that I find the study of communication so intriguing and important is that it is woven into everything we do," she says. "Every relationship, every career, every interaction is predicated upon communication.

"I believe it's important for the College of Communication to build on this aspect of what we study to foster our connections to others. As a college, we are well positioned to create partnerships with other colleges, to connect with external professional organizations, and to be an active part of the local and regional community. In the next few years, I hope to work with my colleagues in the college to develop, maintain, and strengthen such relationships."

A three-time graduate of Purdue University, she earned her doctorate in interpersonal communication in 1996, her master's degree in public affairs/issue management in 1991, and her bachelor's degree in communication/public relations in 1988.

Arnold formerly taught at Purdue, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.