Phyllis Paul, associate dean in the School of Music and Dance at the University Oregon, is the new dean of the College of Creative Arts and Communication at Youngstown State University.
The YSU Board of Trustees approved the appointment today at its regular quarterly meeting on campus.
Paul is the third dean appointment at YSU this year. Wim Steelant became the new dean of the College of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in March, and Kristine Blair became the new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences in May.
“We are very pleased with the hiring of what we consider to be three quality educational leaders,” said Martin Abraham, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “All three were appointed after extensive national searches, and we look forward to seeing their expertise and energy lead their colleges, and the university as a whole, to even greater accomplishments.”
Also at today’s meeting, trustees approved a $169.8 million fiscal year operating budget. The spending plan assumes stable enrollment and a 2.2 percent increase in state funding. It is YSU’s first operating budget in five years without a structural operating deficit.
The board also agreed to freeze tuition, all student fees, and room and board costs for next academic year, maintaining YSU’s status as the most affordable public university in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.
Paul begins her new position July 1. The College of Creative Arts and Communication includes the departments of Art, Communication, Theater and Dance, and the Dana School of Music. The college enrolls 900 students.
Paul comes to YSU after 13 years at the School of Music and Dance at the University of Oregon. She most recently was associate dean and director of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies. She previously was an elementary school music teacher.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Music from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, N.C., a master’s degree in Music from Florida State University and a PhD, also from Florida State. Paul is the author or co-author of 11 peer-reviewed publications and has made 29 presentations at state and/or national conferences. She has received $15,000 in grants for her research and is a member of several professional organizations.
Abraham expressed appreciation to interim deans Michael Crist (CCAC), Jane Kestner (CLASS) and Gregg Sturrus (STEM). “I am extremely thankful for the hard work and dedication of those who have served as interim dean over the last 18 months, each of whom has advanced their college through their leadership,” he said.
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