Marquette University has named Dr. Kimo Ah Yun the dean of its Diederich College of Communication, effective July 1.
Ah Yun is currently the associate dean of the College of Arts and Letters and a professor of communication studies at California State University, Sacramento. He joined the Sacramento State faculty in 1996 and has served in his current role since 2012.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Sacramento State, a master’s in speech from Kansas State University and a Ph.D. in communication from Michigan State University.
Ah Yun replaces Dr. Lori Bergen, who served as communication dean until April, when she became the founding dean of the College of Media, Communication and Information at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Interim dean Dr. Ana Garner, professor of journalism and media studies, will continue to serve in her role until Ah Yun begins his role in July.
“I’m pleased to have Dr. Ah Yun join Marquette’s leadership team as our dean of the Diederich College of Communication,” said Marquette President Michael Lovell. “He is a thoughtful and progressive teacher, researcher and administrator, which positions him perfectly to move the college forward in new and innovative ways.”
“The pool of candidates for this search was strong and impressive,” said Dr. Sarah Feldner, associate dean of communication and chair of the search committee. “The breadth and depth of Dr. Ah Yun’s experience in the field of communication and his knowledge of higher education trends made him stand out as the best person to lead the Diederich College of Communication. The search committee is confident that his leadership will help raise the profile of the college and support the excellent work of its students, faculty and staff.”
