Ithaca College

Ithaca College has announced the appointment of Diane Gayeski as interim dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications. She will serve for the 2009­-10 academic year while a search is conducted for the successor to departing dean Dianne Lynch, who has been named president of Stephens College.

"I look forward to continuing my work in the in this new capacity," said Gayeski. "As an alumna of the Department of Television-Radio and longtime member of the faculty, I respect its traditions and am energized by this opportunity to help create its future."

After obtaining her undergraduate degree from Ithaca in 1974, Gayeski earned master's and doctoral degrees in educational technology from the University of Maryland. In 1979 she returned to teach at her alma mater, where she is currently a professor of strategic communication. She directs the College's online certificate programs in strategic communication management and performance improvement management, and has served as chair of her department and of the graduate program in communications.

"I am delighted that Dr. Gayeski has agreed to serve in this capacity," said Kathleen Rountree, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "In her current and past positions she has proven herself to be creative, energetic, and effective, and her dedication to students, faculty, and staff is clearly seen in her leadership style. She is held in high regard by faculty within the communications school, and will undoubtedly serve as interim dean with distinction."

For the past year, Gayeski has held a different temporary role as interim dean of the Division of Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS). Rob Gearhart, associate dean of GPS, will lead the division for the upcoming academic year.

"Rob has been a major contributor to the success of graduate and professional programs over the past several years," said Rountree. "His energy and enthusiasm for education, combined with his business acumen, ensure that the division will continue to thrive under his leadership during this time of transition."

Gearhart earned his bachelor's degree in communications management and master's degree in educational communication from Ithaca College, where he taught from 1984 to 1996. He subsequently helped establish a variety of distance learning and educational technology initiatives at Burlington County College in New Jersey and Cornell University before returning to IC in 2006 to serve as director of online learning, certificate, and professional programs in the Division of Graduate Studies. In 2007 he was named associate dean of GPS.