Dr. Jessica Mallard has been named as the new dean of the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities. Dr. Mallard was the director of the Attebury Honors Program and a professor of Communication Studies before becoming the new dean.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Central Oklahoma she received her Master’s in Arts in Speech Communication from Penn State University in 1992 and her doctorate in 1994.

Dr. Mallard joined the University back in 2002 teaching basic speech, Honors I IDS, among many other communication courses.

Many colleagues see her new position as a new chapter. Dr. Kristina Drumheller, director of graduate studies in Communication, said more women in leadership positions is a great thing for the University.

“She’s a great critical thinker and a problem solver,” Drumheller said.

Dr. Mallard took the position, replacing Dr. James Rennier, who was the previous dean of the College of Fine Arts.

“I went into looking at it from an interim position, only for a year, but over the course of time I came to really enjoy the position,” Mallard said. “I have a great faculty that support me.”

There are five different colleges at WT.

“I have such an exciting college to promote,” Mallard said. “Really something you can get behind and be excited about, with art shows, and recitals. I have a great team to work with here.”

“She is extremely student-focused and thoughtful and thinks about what she does,” Dr. Stephen Severn, the associate professor of English said. “She’s well liked, and well respected. She has shown from her work through the honors program her administration skills. She’ll provide positive and effective leadership for the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts.”