Two accomplished faculty members were tapped to serve as school directors in the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media (CCAM) as of July 2025. Emily Corio is the new director of the Reed School of Media and Communications, and Michael Vercelli has been named the interim director of the School of Music.
“Emily and Mike exemplify the excellence and innovation that define our college,” said Keith Jackson, Philip J. Faini/Falbo Family Dean of the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media. “They are dedicated to our students, invested in the success of their colleagues, and committed to the role that media and music play in building stronger communities. I am confident that under their leadership, the Reed School of Media and Communications and the School of Music will continue to thrive.”
Corio, who joined WVU faculty in 2011, served as the associate director of the Reed School during the 2024-25 academic year under the leadership of Diana Martinelli who was both the Reed School director and vice dean of CCAM.
At WVU, Corio has been instrumental in advancing experiential learning opportunities for students, including collaborations with professional media outlets and innovative community-based reporting projects. She also led the launch of the Sports and Adventure Media major in 2018, which has increased in student enrollment each year. Prior to her academic career, she worked more than a decade in public media as a journalist. She's an award-winning reporter who served as the Assistant News Director for the statewide public television and radio network in West Virginia.
“I care deeply for our students, faculty and alumni, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to carry forward the Reed School’s reputation for being a leader in media education and innovation,” Corio said.
Vercelli, who has been a member of the School of Music faculty since 2008 is an internationally recognized percussionist and ethnomusicologist. Throughout his time at WVU, he has been committed to building global connections that enrich the student experience. He is the director of the WVU World Music Performance Center and leads summer study abroad courses to Ghana, Brazil and Belize, focusing on music, dance and cultural immersion.
Vercelli has received many awards for both his performance and study of indigenous music. His expertise is in the transmission and performance practice of percussive traditions of Africa and African Diaspora. He has conducted long-term fieldwork on the xylophone traditions of Ghana and has studied in Brazil, Guinea, Uganda, Cuba and Bali.
“I have a great deal of respect for my colleagues in the School of Music, and it is an honor to serve as the director,” Vercelli said. “I hope to continue to support faculty creativity, enhance our community engagement, and prepare students for diverse careers in music.”
The School of Music’s previous director, Kelly Burke, was a professor of clarinet for 25 years before moving into administration roles. She will remain on faculty at the School of Music.
Martinelli remains the Widmeyer Professor in Public Relations and will resume a full-time teaching role at the conclusion of a one-year sabbatical. Additionally, Rita Colistra, a long-time professor of public relations, was named the associate director of the Reed School of Media and Communications upon Corio’s promotion to director.
“Diana and Kelly provided strong leadership and support, particularly during a great moment of change as our Reed and Creative Arts Colleges merged to become one,” Jackson said. “I’m grateful for their service, and I know they will thrive in their return to teaching.”
For more information about the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media, visit creativeartsandmedia.wvu.edu.