Kent State’s School of Communication Studies announced its new director on Friday, according to a university press release. Elizabeth Graham—who currently serves as a professor for the University of Akron’s School of Communication, where she was also the director from 2010-2014— will join the Kent State community on July 1.

“We are fortunate to have Graham join the College of Communication and Information’s leadership team. In addition to her strong research profile, she offers our School of Communication Studies a range of leadership experiences and expertise,” said Amy Reynolds, dean of Kent State’s College of Communication and Information, in the press release. “I am impressed with her many accomplishments at Ohio University and the University of Akron, and I am excited about bringing her energy and ideas to Kent State.”

According to the release, during her tenure as director, Graham was responsible for the creation of a social media learning lab, and with Knight Foundation funding she both created the Converged Media Immersion Program and spearheaded the effort to bring Fox 8 (WJW) Akron News Bureau to the school.

Once Graham takes over as director, interim director Jeffrey T. Child, who assumed the position in July 2015, will return to the Kent State classroom as an associate professor of Communication Studies.

“I am honored to join the School of Communication Studies at Kent State University. The opportunity to work with internationally distinguished scholars, award-winning teachers, dedicated advisors, talented professionals and a diverse student body, is invigorating. I can’t imagine a more fulfilling opportunity,” Graham said in the press release. “The school is well positioned to address the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and I look forward to collaborating with faculty to cultivate a collective vision to accomplish school, college and university goals. Kent State is an amazing place; it’s good to be home.”

Latisha Ellison is the CCI reporter for The Kent Stater, contact her at [email protected].