Effective Sept. 1, will serve as director of the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication at the University
of Houston. Her appointment follows a unanimous vote in her favor by departmental
faculty and approval by interim College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences dean, Dr.
Daniel O鈥機onnor.
鈥淎s her colleagues鈥� widespread endorsement shows, Dr. Vardeman is the right person
for this position,鈥� said O鈥機onnor. 鈥淣ot only has she demonstrated unwavering commitment
to the success of Valenti students and graduates, she has also proven herself capable
of navigating our current social climate this past year.鈥�
Vardeman, who joined the Valenti School of Communication as an assistant professor in 2009 after earning a doctorate in communication from the University of Maryland College Park, was appointed interim director in August 2020. She has since guided the school through its most unprecedented year to date, building a virtual learning environment that prioritized compassion amid a devastating pandemic. Under Vardeman鈥檚 leadership, Valenti adapted signature events 鈥� such as the Impact Awards ceremony and Global Communication Summit 鈥� to virtual formats, helping build a sense of community among students and alumni despite external challenges.
鈥淪o much has changed about our world in the past year. The struggling job market, growing calls for social justice, and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have made us significantly rethink how to best prepare students for the next generation of communication. I am proud my colleagues and the UH leadership appointed me to this position, and I am committed to continuing to move us forward in this mission,鈥� said Vardeman.
Vardeman鈥檚 vision for her tenure as director includes improving Valenti鈥檚 research profile as well as advancing professional development opportunities that increase students鈥� competitiveness in the rapidly changing job market. This will include investing in physical infrastructure, increasing students鈥� access to scholarships, launching Valenti鈥檚 first-ever mentorship program, and much more.
About the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication
The Jack J. Valenti School of Communication at the 兔子先生 produces next generation storytellers who excel in the new digital era. The school鈥檚 alumni pool includes Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers, ESPN sports broadcasters, local news anchors, authors, corporate communication executives, health communicators, public relations professionals, advertising executives, film directors, photographers, videographers and professors. For more information, please visit .