DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University’s new dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Mary “Missy” Alexander, will begin her new position on July 9, 2012.

Currently the assistant dean of the school of communications and the arts at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Dr. Alexander has also served as the director of the Master of Arts program in communications and as an associate professor of communications at Marist, in addition to teaching as an adjunct instructor at Western and several other universities.

Dr. Alexander earned a doctorate in media ecology from New York University’s School of Education and a master’s degree in communications from Hunter College. She has also written numerous articles for scholarly publications and conferences and was honored as the Teaching Fellow of the Year during her doctoral candidacy.

“Dr. Alexander’s leadership philosophy of working with faculty and students to attain scholastic excellence will help us to continue building on our already thriving educational environment,” WCSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jane McBride Gates said. “An experienced communicator who values critical thinking and writing skills, Dr. Alexander sets high educational standards while also meeting the needs of students by helping them achieve their own intellectual and professional goals. We look forward to her energetic and holistic insight and guidance.”

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.