Oswego State announced the appointment of Kristen Campbell Eichhorn, a professor of communication studies and President Faculty Fellow, as the new dean of graduate studies, starting July 1.
Eichhorn has a distinguished record of teaching, research and service in her 10 years with Oswego State. She was promoted to a full professor in 2014 and currently serves as one of two senators to the SUNY-wide Faculty Senate.
Mary Toale, who has served as the interm dean of graduate studies since December, will return to her role as professor and chair of communication studies. Irene Scruton, the director of MBA programs, headed the search committee to select the new dean of graduate studies.
Eichhorn received her bachelor’s degree in communication studies and Spanish from Canisius College, a master’s degree in communication research from West Virginia University and her doctorate in communication research from the University of Miami.
“Oswego has a long and successful history with serving graduate students and developing programs,” Eichhorn said. “I also know this campus community well and we are always aspiring to excel.”
Eichhorn said her first goal in her new position is to better understand what is working and what areas may need attention.
“Perhaps then we could do some strategic planning and develop goals to better serve our students, faculty, staff and community members,” Eichhorn said.
As interim dean of extended learning in 2013 and 2014, Eichhorn said she had the opportunity to work closely with the division of graduate studies, thinking about how to best serve graduate students on the Oswego State campus, in the Syracuse satellite campus and online.
“All of my past experiences have deepened my understanding and appreciation for the challenges and opportunities in higher education,” Eichhorn said. “More importantly, they have helped to develop my perspective of the individuals I will be serving, including students, families, faculty, staff, administrators and the community.”
Eichhorn has a background in communication, as well as relationship building and plans to draw on these foundational skills to tackle challenging issues and develop exciting opportunities for graduate students.
“I will bring an appreciation for listening, collaboration and critical thinking into this new position,” Eichhorn said. “I am excited about the opportunity to work with others to understand the nuances of each of our graduate programs so we can translate them to potential students and community partners.”
Eichhorn reviewed and implemented college-wide policies and procedures, including diversity and inclusion training, family leave and lactation rooms, faculty and staff search processes and child protection policies as part of her role with the president’s office.
From 2009 to 2013, Eichhorn served as the chair of communication studies. She provided leadership for 43 full and part time faculty and staff, as well as more than 850 students in four undergraduate programs.
Eichhorn also has many publications, including two editions as a co-author of a textbook, “Interpersonal Communication: Building Rewarding Relationships.” Her research is also published in two journals: The Journal of Computer-Meditated Communication and the International Journal of Leadership studies.
Eichhorn said she is thrilled to be able to serve the institution in this new role.
“Our faculty and students are highly creative and productive,” Eichhorn said. “I’m excited to lead a team that works to support them.”
