Wednesday, October 17, 2001

Slater hired for dean post
Communication position filled after more than 2-year vacancy
By Jacque Petersell
Staff Reporter

The College of Communication will have a new dean during the spring 2002 semester, Provost William Koehler said Tuesday.

William Slater, the current dean at the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada-Reno who visited TCU in September, was hired in mid-October.

The College of Communication, which comprises the departments of journalism, radio-TV-film and speech communication, has been without a dean since 1999, when the college was formed after the College of Fine Arts and Communication split.

“We searched for quite some time,” Koehler said. “The conclusion was that (Slater) was the best fit. He had the skills to do what (was needed for the College of Communication).”

Slater said becoming dean at TCU is a great opportunity for him and the College of Communication.

“(The school) has a great deal of potential and is poised to become one of the finest schools in the country,” Slater said.

Koehler said the search committee looked at Slater because his background could bring all three departments closer together.

“We’ve got a brand new unit here,” Koehler said. “(These departments) have never existed together in this form (at TCU). Bill Slater is a team builder, which is more important in a new unit.”

Bill Ryan, chairman of the dean search committee, said Slater was a unanimous choice because of his experience in a dean position and his fund-raising capabilities.

“He had the kind of experience we were looking for (in someone to) take over a brand new college,” Ryan said. “He can help create bridges across all three (departments).”

Slater said he hasn’t thought about any changes or additions to the college.

William Powers, chairman of the speech communication department, said Slater is needed to move the college to the next level.

“The college needed a solidified, long-term leader,” Powers said. “(Slater can) take the entire college and give it the opportunity to realize its potential. His administrative assistance will help the departments realize their dreams.”

Koehler said it was too early to set specific goals, but said he and Slater have set broader goals, such as having the different units work together, raising the visibility of the college and help fund raising.

“(Slater) has experience in doing that,” Koehler said. “He has a proven track record as a fund-raiser.”

Slater said he and his wife, Elizabeth, are excited about moving to Fort Worth. Slater said his wife hopes to continue her career in student services and advising at TCU.

Slater is the first African-American academic dean at TCU.

Jacque Petersell
j.s.petersell@student.tcu.edu