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Judith Rosenbaum-Andre

A leader in journalism and communication studies at the University of Maine will be the next dean of the University of Kansas’ journalism school.

Judith Rosenbaum-Andre, an associate dean at the University of Maine, was named Wednesday as the next dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications.

Rosenbaum-Andre currently is the associate dean for faculty affairs and administration in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Maine. She also serves as the chair of the university’s Department of Communication and Journalism, and is a professor of media studies.

Rosenbaum-Andre will begin at KU on July 17. The dean position at KU became open after longtime journalism dean Ann Brill stepped down from the position last year to return to teaching duties at the school.

“Judith is deeply experienced with developing faculty and student success, and she has been dedicated to teaching, learning and discovery throughout her career,” Chief Academic Officer and Provost Arash Mafi said. “I’m certain she will continue to build upon the success of the school and navigate them through the challenges of a constantly evolving field.”

As a researcher, Rosenbaum-Andre has extensively studied how and why digital digital media and entertainment-based media connects with the public.

Rosenbaum-Andre has her doctorate in mass communications from Radboud University and a master’s and undergraduate degree from the University of Nijmegen. Both universities are in the Netherlands.

“I am incredibly honored to join KU and to lead the William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications,” Rosenbaum-Andre said. “What makes this opportunity so exciting is the people and their commitment to excellence in teaching, research and creativity, as well as their passion for the field of journalism and mass communications. The minute I walked into Stauffer-Flint I could feel the spark of creativity, innovation and collaboration among the students, faculty and staff. There was a true sense of community that is key to the school’s continued success.”

KU journalism professor Scott Reinardy has served as the school’s interim dean since August. Reinardy will return to his teaching role as the Malcolm Applegate Professor in News Management and Editing.