As many of you communications students may know, last spring marked the end of a 15-year tenure for Doug Anderson as dean of the College of Communications, and while the college was sad to see him go, they wasted no time in trying to find an accomplished successor worthy of taking his place. It didn’t take them long to find exactly what they were looking for in Marie Hardin. As the former associate dean for undergraduate and graduate education and professor of journalism, Hardin was officially appointed by the University’s Board of Trustees on July 11th.
We were lucky enough to score an interview with our new dean and ask her a few questions regarding both her experiences with the college and how she got to where she is today.
HC: What made you come to Penn State, and what were your first impressions of the university?
MD: I was teaching at the State University of West Georgia at the time and saw that Penn State had an opening for a professor of journalism history, which I knew I could teach. I also have a sister who lives near here, and she wanted me to live close to her. So I decided to go for the job, but by the time I arrived, I became interested in the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism, which was just starting out, because I had been conducting research and teaching classes both related to the field. I got the job, and though I never taught journalism history, I began teaching courses in sports journalism.
As far as my first impressions, I immediately fell in love with this campus when I came for the interview. Deciding to come here was an easy decision.
HC: Though I’m sure your days are anything but, how would you describe a typical day as dean?
MD: Well, I’ll tell you what is typical are the meetings. It’s rare that I have a day where I don’t have several meetings. What’s hard to predict are the different types of meetings I will have. Often times I’ll meet with students, faculty and staff both inside and outside of the college about various orders of business.
HC: What are 3 words that could describe the students and faculty of the college?
MD: Hardworking, energetic and committed. I think we have the hardest working college at Penn State. There is no wasted energy or resources at this college.
HC: What are you most proud of regarding the College of Communications and what do you hope to improve in the coming years?
MD: I am most proud of the incredible and growing number of student accomplishments. I’m amazed every time I hear about one, and I do so constantly.
For the future, we need to constantly be examining and updating our curriculum because we are in a dynamic and fast-shifting field of study.
HC: Any advice for prospective students thinking of applying for the College of Communications?
MD: I would say that at the College of Communications, we are looking for students with 3 primary attributes: those who are intensely curious about the world around them, excited about the communications field, and, this is really important, want to be challenged. If you thrive on accomplishment, then we are the place for you. You’ve got to be a doer, and if you are, you are just going to love it here.
HC: What was your biggest rejection or disappointment during your career, and how did you overcome it?
MD: I can think of a pretty good example. Earlier on in my career, I was trying to get a job in public relations for a very important public policy firm in Atlanta. I was a finalist for the job but didn’t end up getting it. I was really disappointed because I was working in advertising at the time, and knew I didn’t want to stay there. However, not getting the job forced me to look at other possibilities and that’s when I looked to graduate school to pursue my master’s. The master’s eventually led to my Ph.D., which brought me here. Sometimes rejection helps you see other possibilities.
HC: What does girl power mean to you?
MD: There’s a lot of baggage attached to that term and it can hold both positive and negative connotations. I prefer to see the positive in that girl power can mean the potential and the real power in young women as they work individually and collectively toward goals that make the world a better place. It has to be about goals that better society not…not…
HC: Hair and nails?
MD: *Laughter* Exactly.
HC: What’s one piece of advice you can give regarding time management?
MD: Here’s one that has really worked for me: figure out what your best sleep schedule is and stick to it. For example, I’ve found that I work best early in the morning, so I go to bed early as much as I can and wake up early. It can be tough, but at some point, you can choose your own routine and make it work.
HC: What is the one thing you want seniors to walk away with before graduating from the college?
MD: I want all students before they leave the College of Communications to have had a powerful and positive experience with a faculty member in this college. Those kinds of connections can help you not just with your learning here but long after you leave Penn State.
HC: What is the best way for students to get in touch with you?
MD: Twitter – I love to interact with students on social media because it’s quick and easy. I also enjoy students stopping by to see me. To me, a great day is when one of my meetings is with a student, and that is important to me. Besides, a dean’s job is about serving the students, and that’s what I intend to do.
With the hard work of the new dean and the continued dedication of the students, faculty and staff, it’s safe to say Penn State’s College of Communications will continue its title as one of the top communications programs in the country.