Sarah Feldner, associate dean of the College of Communication, will fill the role of acting dean of the college. Acting provost Kimo Ah Yun made the announcement to College of Communication faculty and staff via email today.
University President Michael Lovell selected Ah Yun as acting provost last week in the wake of former provost Daniel Meyers’ departure from Marquette, leaving the College of Communication dean position empty.
Ah Yun said he consulted with Lovell on who to appoint to this position Tuesday.
While multiple people expressed interest in the interim position, Ah Yun said he had multiple reasons to choose Feldner.
Feldner is involved in the happenings of the College of Communication, regularly attending meetings with Ah Yun. He said Feldner has a unique inner understanding of the college and has been involved in everything he’s done since coming to Marquette.
Feldner is also the director of the core curriculum, overseeing all recent changes to the university core. This gives her connections throughout the university, which Ah Yun said is important for a college dean.
Ultimately, Feldner’s and Ah Yun’s visions for the college line up. Ah Yun said caring about students and understanding what Marquette should be doing as a Catholic, Jesuit institution are two major points he values.
“My vision was about student programming and creating unique experiences that attracted people to come to Marquette and positioned our students in a way that we optimized their possibility for success,” Ah Yun said.
Despite her university connections not necessitating much catching up, Ah Yun said she will need to start building personal relationships with alumni. That was not part of Feldner’s job as associate dean, so Ah Yun said he will tell her with whom he thinks she should start building relationships, which are vital to securing donations to the college.
In addition to vision and understanding, Ah Yun said this appointment seemed to be a great opportunity for Feldner to grow as a leader and thinks this new position will showcase her skills.
Feldner officially starts the new position Nov. 12.
This story was updated Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and is developing.