Kennesaw State University has appointed Lynn Disbrow as dean of University College, effective July 1.

Disbrow comes to Kennesaw State following six years at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, most recently as dean of the School of Arts and Humanities and a professor of communication studies. Disbrow also chaired the Department of Communication Studies and Psychology and led Huntingdon’s efforts to establish interdisciplinary endorsements in Social Justice, Global Studies and Women’s Leadership.

“Dr. Lynn Disbrow is highly qualified and prepared for this role, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Kennesaw State,” said Ken Harmon, provost and vice president for academic affairs at KSU. “University College serves a vital role through its innovative, interdisciplinary academic offerings and its nationally recognized programs for first-year students. Dr. Disbrow’s track record of academic leadership, curriculum development and faculty training makes her an ideal fit to lead University College to greater heights.”

Disbrow succeeds Lynn Stallings, who has been interim dean of University College for the past year. Stallings is moving to Kennesaw State’s Honors College as the interim director of the University Honors Program.

A leader in the National Communication Association, Disbrow served on the NCA’s Presidential Task Force on Competencies in Introductory Communication Courses and was director of the Educational Policies Board. Each year, the NCA presents the Lynn M. Disbrow Advisor of the Year Award to a faculty advisor who exemplifies Disbrow’s dedication and service to students.

“The incredible opportunity to work with a broad and diverse group of students and faculty drew me to this unique leadership position at Kennesaw State,” Disbrow said. “I have a practical professional history with each piece of the University College structure, along with a lifelong commitment to their mission of connecting students with the systems in place at Kennesaw State to lead them to their future. There is no denying the passion and excitement my new colleagues exude for igniting a student’s spirit for academic growth and for developing a strong sense of community.”

University College is home to three academic departments – First-Year and Transition Studies, Leadership and Integrative Studies, and the Michael A. Leven School of Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality. It also houses the Center for Student Leadership, Orientation and Transition Programs, and the Advising Office for New, Exploratory, and Students in Transition.

“When I look to the future, I see University College maintaining their status as a national leader in innovative programs, and sharing our ‘secret for success’ through research, presentations and partnerships on a national and international stage,” Disbrow said. “We look forward to continuing our role as a campus partner, bonding with others through grant, research and teaching opportunities. These steps will continue to build a solid foundation from which we serve our students in the most inspiring, and effective, manner.”

Prior to Huntingdon College, Disbrow served on the faculties of Wright State University, Indiana University-South Bend, the University of Dayton and Sinclair Community College. She has received numerous accolades, including the Faculty Innovator Award from the Ohio Board of Regents in 2010 and Huntingdon College’s 2015 Wynn and Gordon Chappell Academic Enrichment Award, given to the faculty member who demonstrates excellence in teaching, leadership and service.

Disbrow holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Rhetorical Processes from Wayne State University, a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Emerson College and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from Indiana University-South Bend.