Ithaca College

Provost La Jerne Terry Cornish has announced that Dr. Jack Powers will serve as interim dean of the Roy H, Park School of Communications effective July 1, 2020 while a search for the successor to Diane Gayeski is conducted in the fall semester. Gayeski had announced that she is stepping down as dean and is returning to the faculty as a tenured professor. 

Dr. Powers joined the college in 2006 and is currently professor and chair of the Department of Media Arts, Sciences and Studies with expertise in mass media research, media industries, social effect of mass media on children, and entertainment media writing. 

He is well-recognized for his work with sitcom pilot scripts and also works with students on the ICTV, IC radio and the Ithacan.  He earned his Ph.D. from Syracuse University, M.A. from Ohio State University, and his BA from Mount Union College that included a Certificate of Completion in a joint program of study from L’Institue de Touraine, Tours, France and La Sorbonne, Paris, France.

 “The Roy H Park School of Communications is in good hands with Jack during this transitional period,” said Cornish. “His service as a faculty member and department chair provides us with the experience and knowledge that’s necessary to lead the school until a new dean is appointed.”

In the near future, the Provost will reconvene the Roy H. Park and Music School Dean Search Committees and will conduct searches for permanent deans with the intention of making appointments by next spring.