Joan Rentsch, professor of communication studies and director of the College of Communication and Information’s Integrative Organizational Research Laboratory, has been named the college’s new associate dean for academic programs. She will begin her new role on August 1.

Rentsch will take over for Catherine Luther, who is returning to the journalism and electronic media faculty.

“Joan Rentsch is an outstanding scholar, teacher, and mentor, and I greatly appreciate her willingness to take on this critical administrative position,” said Mike Wirth, college dean. “Her ability to effectively lead and manage in a team setting will allow her to play a major role in helping us continue to innovate and improve our curriculum and academic programs as we journey to the Top 25.”