Dr. Suzanne Boys Takes on Assistant Department Head Role

As we begin a new school year, the University of Cincinnati is faced with lots of changes. While some things are out of our control, there are positive changes being made to the University and the Department of Communication that are addressing these uncertain times.

With this year being Dr. Steve Depoe’s last as Communication’s department head, as well as Dean Valerio Ferme’s recent induction into the College of Arts and Sciences, there has been a need to fill in some blanks. Dr. Suzanne Boys, Professor and Public Relations Program Director at UC, has taken on a new leadership role as Communication’s assistant department head. Leading up to this decision, Dr. Boys was part of an advisory panel of both undergraduate and graduate directors who determined that establishing an assistant department head for the final year of Dr. Depoe’s tenure would help facilitate a seamless transition to the next department head. Dr. Boys’ primary goal is to advocate for students while making sure everyone engages in more equitable ways.

As assistant department head, Dr. Boys will take on survival responsibilities like ensuring that enrollment is met, ensuring that classes are scheduled appropriately, and making sure that everyone has technology for the online experience. Beyond that, she intends to use her involvement as diversity director of Cincinnati PRSSA to guarantee that everyone is more supportive of more types of people in the department and in the university. Responding to the need to be more inclusive and equitable is at the top of Dr. Boys’ list of priorities. “My number one agenda is how do we thoughtfully and holistically respond to a need to do better with our minority student population,” said Dr. Suzanne Boys.