Communication Studies to Move Under College of Media & Communication

About 150 students and eight faculty members in the Department of Communication Studies will find a new home in the College of Media & Communication in the near future after the Texas Tech University Board of Regents approved the measure Friday (Aug 8).

Communication Studies, one of the original departments formed at Texas Tech, researches the theoretical and applied dimensions of human communication. It specializes in corporate-organizational communication, interpersonal communication, communication and public affairs and houses Texas Tech’s nationally recognized award-winning debate team.

The decision comes after several years of consideration, said Provost Lawrence Schovanec.

Following regent approval, the realignment must go through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools before the change is finalized. Officials expect that to conclude in mid- to late 2015.

“This change reflects a national trend of greater national alignment between communication studies and fields such as journalism and media,” Schovanec said. “This change will enhance educational opportunities for students and research collaborations between faculty.”

Narissra Punyanunt-Carter, interim chairwoman for the Department of Communication Studies, said the department is part of the College of Arts and Sciences. Many people on campus were confused about which college the department belonged, and the move will help clear up confusion.

“This is an exciting time for our department as we will be hiring three new tenure-track faculty during the 2014-2015 school year – a departmental chairman or chairwoman and two assistant professors,” she said. “Personally, I am very excited about the merger. I believe this merger will be beneficial for our students, staff and faculty.”

David Perlmutter, dean of the College of Media & Communication, said the merger will help create better-prepared students with a more well-rounded education.

“We pride ourselves in producing Texas Tech graduates who can think, speak and articulate, present, visualize, write, create and lead, in person or via all platforms and venues of media,” he said. “Our students will be assisted by the unification of all parts of the study and practice of communication to give them a fully rounded education.”