Mark Lodato named Newhouse School dean

Mark J. Lodato was announced as the next dean of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications on Monday filling the vacancy left by Lorraine Branham’s passing nearly a year ago.

Lodato, who previously worked as an associate dean for the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, will join the Newhouse School on July 1 at the start of the new fiscal year. Also, this appointment will also unlock the $75 million donation made by Donald Newhouse in January.

“Lodato received a significant amount of support in the feedback that you provided after his campus visit,” SU Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost John Liu said in an email to Newhouse faculty and students.  “I know that he is the right person to lead your school.”

Liu expressed that some students and faculty may be confused as the search committee recently announced their search had not yielded any viable candidates. However, the SU originally made an offer to Lodato in early February that he was unable to accept at the time.

On Feb. 22, Lodato emailed Liu expressing his interest in accepting the position if it was available. Liu spoke extensively with Chancellor Kent Syverud, members of the Newhouse Advisory Board and the search committee to confirm their support.

“On March 12, I shared my decision with the entire search committee, and the search committee was supportive,” Liu said. “Since then, the chancellor and the university Board of Trustees have approved this decision.”

Liu also took the opportunity to thank Amy Falkner, who has served as interim dean since Branham died following a battle with cancer last April. Liu lauded Falkner’s strong leadership during the transition and clarified that she will continue to serve as the interim dean through June 30.

“This is an exciting time for the Newhouse community,” Liu said. “I look forward to having us all welcome Mark and his family to our Orange Family this summer.”