by Brooke Trimble

East Carolina University appointed Dr.Linda Kean the permanent director of the School of Communication.  
     For the past two years, Kean has filled the position of acting director. Within the past decade the School of Communication has grown from a few faculty into its own school with over 30 faculty members plus administrative staff.
    Kean’s promotion comes as no surprise to anyone who is acquainted with her.
    Barbara Bullington, professional colleague, said, “She’s (Kean) been here since 1998. It’s great to have someone who knows our history and knows where we have been and where we are going.”
     To many within the SOC it comes as a comfort to have someone who has seen the program grow and develop over time, to know its strengths and weaknesses, and to give the program focus and direction.
     “She is approachable, intuitive, and a strong team builder,” Bullington said.
     Teresa Bullock, an administrative official who has been acquainted nine years with Kean, stated, “This is a very good step for us. Kean is very good for the school. She has really brought the school together. The faculty and students enjoy her, and she has a lot of good ideas.”
     Even on popular student polling Web sites students gave high recommendations about Kean as an instructor. At ratemyprofessor.com, out of a rating 0-4 (four being favorable) Kean scores fours in average clarity, helpfulness, and overall quality. One student said, “She is a very helpful professor and takes the time to sit and listen to her students. The class was informative and I recommend Kean to any communication student.”
     During Kean’s time at ECU she has been both an educator and an administrator. She also has been known for her research in health communication with a focus on the mass media.
     “One aspect of my research is designing and evaluating a mass media campaign that promotes the adoption of positive health behaviors,” stated Kean. “I am also interested in how advertising and entertainment media messages influence individual’s perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors regarding health topics. I am currently conducting research investigating the link between exposures to media and individual’s decision making.”
     Throughout her career at ECU, one she says she has been “dedicated to,” Kean has been able to provide the best service to her university. Dr.John Howard, a communication professor, commented, “The Masters program here at the School of Communication would not exist without her.”
    Bullock added, “Administrative-wise she is very strong for the position since she knows where to go, what to do, highly networked, and involved in so many university committees and project.”
   When asked about being appointed to this position Kean acknowledges that she was very excited. She confirmed that even with budgets tightening she still had big plans for the school. In the short term she would like to address the conversion to HDTV in the field and studio. Next on her list would be working on having the ACEJMC accreditation of the school. In the long term, Kean wants to increase visibility of the program on campus as well as nationally.
     “Remember this program is still new,” said Kean. “We have grown dramatically over just the past 8 years. I would like to keep our momentum going and increase the quality of our program. Not just the quality of our materials and equipment but also the quality of our classes and students learning. I would like to increase the opportunities and experiences that are available to students.”