Passaic Today

Montclair State University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales announced that the University’s School of Communication and Media, currently part of the institution’s College of the Arts, will become a stand-alone college effective July 1, 2025.

School of Communication and Media Director Keith Strudler will serve as dean in leading the transition from School to College. Over the next year, all areas of the School will be redefined, including academic and administrative structures, technological systems updates, student services, new curricular opportunities, and a discussion of the college name.

Within a highly competitive and rapidly changing higher education environment, the School of Communication and Media has become one of the largest and most comprehensive in its field. By transitioning from a School to a College, it will have access to increased national visibility, more leadership development opportunities for faculty and staff, and more interdisciplinary opportunities on campus as part of New Jersey’s second-largest higher education institution.

“The School of Communication and Media has grown rapidly over the last decade, expanding its enrollment and its offerings, receiving accolades and student awards, and this move will allow the University to better support it on its upward trajectory,” says Gonzales.

“This is an exciting moment that will spark even greater distinctive opportunities for our students,” says Strudler. “I am grateful for the continued efforts of our talented faculty and staff, and I am truly looking forward to growing the national profile and impact of this College while forging the future of our collective fields.”

This strategic realignment will also fortify the College of the Arts’ national position, ensuring its continued prominence and influence in the arts. Building upon the successes of its highly ranked academic programs like Musical Theatre and Dance, as well as much-heralded initiatives like the Cali Pathways Project and the Cali Immersive Residency program, the College will continue to play a key role in Montclair State University's increased focus on creativity.

Under the new structure, non-academic units such as University Galleries; Arts and Cultural Programming; Performance Operations; Broadcast and Media Operations; Career Services shared with Communication & Media; academic advising through respective academic units remain unchanged.

“There is tremendous strength that will come from both new deeper interactions between two colleges," says Gonzales. "This new structure will allow both entities to reach their enormous potential."

For prospective students or parents interested in learning more about these changes or applying to Montclair State University: visit our campus or take your first step towards becoming a Red Hawk!

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