The College of Journalism and Mass Communications has announced several leadership appointments within its associate dean team, effective January 5.
Jemalyn Anne Griffin has been named acting associate dean for academic programs. Griffin steps into the role following Adam Wagler, who was named interim dean after the departure of Shari Veil to become provost at North Dakota State University.
The associate dean for academic programs provides college-level leadership in assessment, accreditation and curricular innovation, with responsibility for oversight of all academic programs in the college. The role includes leadership of curriculum development and review, academic program assessment, course scheduling and teaching assignments, and college-level support for undergraduate and graduate advising, student grade appeals and academic problem resolution. The position also collaborates closely with campus partners, including the Office of the Registrar, Admissions, Undergraduate Education and Graduate Studies.
Griffin is an associate professor of practice in advertising and public relations and has taught in the college since 2018. She serves as executive director of Jacht Agency, the student-run advertising and public relations agency, and as ADPR major chair. Her prior leadership roles include co-director of the Experience Lab, director of Buoy and interim graduate chair. Before joining the university, Griffin served as director of content and digital marketing at Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education and worked in public relations and digital strategy roles for national nonprofit organizations. Her teaching focuses on social media, branding, digital content, analytics and strategic communication, and she has developed new courses centered on social influence and personal branding.
Valerie K. Jones has been named interim associate dean for research and faculty affairs, following Cory Armstrong, who has returned to the faculty.
The associate dean for research and faculty affairs serves as a leader and advocate for faculty development and support, with responsibility for promoting and rewarding research and creative activity in the college. The role includes oversight of faculty promotion and evaluation processes, as well as leadership of faculty-related policies and procedures.
Jones is the Fred A. and Gladys Seaton Professor of advertising and public relations, founder and co-director of the SMART-Lab and a Fulbright Scholar. Her research explores how emerging communication technologies, including artificial intelligence, shape social connection, health and quality of life, with a particular focus on aging populations. Her work has been supported by numerous grants and published in leading academic journals. Jones brings more than 20 years of professional experience in media strategy, analytics and consumer research, including leadership roles at national media agencies, Nebraska-based firms and through her digital marketing consultancy, Red Rover Media.
“These appointments reflect the depth of leadership and expertise within our faculty,” Wagler said. “Jemalyn and Valerie both bring a strong understanding of the college’s academic mission and a proven commitment to supporting our students and faculty. Their leadership will be essential as we continue to advance our programs, research and creative activity during this transition.”
Together, these appointments provide continuity in academic leadership and reinforce the college’s commitment to academic excellence, faculty success and innovation.
