College of Creative Arts Dean Keith Jackson and Reed College of Media Dean Diana Martinelli
West Virginia University recently announced that the new college that merges the College of Creative Arts (CCA), the Reed College of Media and three programs from the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design – Design Studies; Fashion, Dress and Merchandising; and Interior Architecture – will be called the College of Creative Arts and Media, effective July 1, 2024.
Additionally, the Reed College of Media will become the Reed School of Media and Communications, one of four schools in the new college along with the schools of Art and Design, Music, and Theater and Dance.
The Office of the Provost announced that current CCA Dean Keith Jackson will lead the new College of Creative Arts and Media with current Reed College of Media Dean Diana Martinelli serving as vice dean and director of the Reed School of Media and Communications.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to advance and lead collaborative work in the new college, while simultaneously upholding our school’s commitment to preparing students to be skilled and ethical journalism and communications professionals,” Martinelli said. “Dean Jackson and I have been working closely together, as have faculty and staff from all of the merging units, to ensure a smooth transition and to explore where and how we can grow and improve.”
Jackson will serve as dean of the new college for two years, after which a new dean will be named following a national search. Martinelli will serve as vice dean and school director for one year before returning to full-time faculty status in fall 2025, when a new school director will take the helm. The new director will be selected internally from current College of Media faculty for ongoing continuity in the early years of the transition.
“We are excited about the launch of this new college and the dynamic collaborations, innovative programs and potential growth opportunities that will arise from it,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Maryanne Reed said. “And we are fortunate to have two seasoned administrators who are willing to provide stability as they guide the college into a new era and plan for its future.”
The shared CCA–Reed Game Design and Interactive Media program and the three design-related units from the Davis College will become part of the School of Art and Design. Students currently enrolled in academic programs of the College of Creative Arts, College of Media and the Davis College will not see any significant changes to their programs of study or course availability. All students will be able to complete their programs as enrolled. Students who graduate after July 1 will see the new college name on their transcripts and diplomas.
All personnel and unit changes will be effective July 1. The fall 2024 semester will begin the first academic term under the new units’ names and structures.
Learn more about the new College of Creative Arts and Media; questions should be sent to ccam@mail.wvu.edu.