Staff Picks: Potential Replacements For Outgoing Bellisario College Of Communications Dean Marie Hardin

After serving as the dean of Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications for 10 years, Marie Hardin is officially moving on. Hardin was named the next president of Quinnipiac University last week and will officially take over on July 1.
With the recent news of one of Penn State’s most beloved leaving Happy Valley, some of our staffers decided to give their pick for the next dean.
Hannah Fuller: Gary Abdullah
If you’re ever looking for a friendly face in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Gary Abdullah is your man. With the bittersweet loss of Hardin, I think that Abdullah would act as the perfect replacement. Serving as the assistant dean for diversity and inclusion, Abdullah is always willing to provide students with advice and a helping hand. After Abdullah shared some words of wisdom with my communications first-year seminar class last week, his main takeaway for us all was to get involved in the Penn State community. As a State College native and Penn State alumni, Abdullah understands what it means to bleed blue and white. His unwavering commitment to the college, along with his Penn State pride, would make him a great fit to continue Hardin’s legacy and lead the college toward continued success.
Michael Zeno: Tyler Warren
We know all about Tyler Warren’s versatility on the football field, whether it’s throwing, catching, or snapping. Why not show that versatility here by becoming our new dean of the Bellisario College of Communications? Warren majors in advertising and public relations and is pursuing a second major in telecommunications, making him a perfect fit after five years in the college. Plus, we all need more Tyler Warren in our lives.
Maggie Alderisio: Judy Olian
With Hardin taking Judy Olian’s place as the Quinnipiac president, we have a chance to be empathetic and orchestrate a switcheroo-type scenario. If Hardin can do Olian’s old job, we can give Olian the benefit of the doubt and assume she can do Hardin’s. They also give off the same vibe, so if you don’t look too closely, it will be like nothing has changed.
Ryan McInerney: The Willard Preacher
I think the Willard Preacher would be the perfect person to replace Hardin. He’s out there every single day, rain or shine. Think about it — the man has been passionately yelling his message at students for years, he’s got top-notch public speaking skills, and he’s not afraid to debate anyone. The man is a campus legend. I say we give him the job and let the chaos unfold.
James Russell: Steve Manuel
My choice for the new dean of the Bellisario College of Communications is professor Steve Manuel. Manuel earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Penn State. He also served as a public affairs officer for the Office of the Secretary of Defense and as a spokesman for the Marine Corps. Manuel is a no-nonsense, hardworking individual who would be an excellent fit to lead the college.
Julia Romankow: Keegan-Michael Key & Jordan Peele
Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele are best known for their comedy show, “Key and Peele.” Key is a Penn State alum, graduating in 1996. Now, he is an actor, producer, and writer. Peele is an actor, producer, and director. He made films “Us”, “Nope”, and “Get Out”. They are a powerful comedic duo and would make an even better set of deans. I know it is not conventional to have two deans for a college, but I think we can make an exception for these two. Due to both of their success in the entertainment industry, they would be able to help the college soar to new heights.
Michael Siroty: Kelly Garrett
Penn State football poached Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. It’s time for Bellisario to poach Kelly Garrett, the director of the Ohio State School of Communications.
Noah Flenard: Manny Diaz
When thinking about who should be hired as the new dean of the communications school, I thought of Manny Diaz. Even though he left us for Duke, I’m sure an academic job would surely be enough to entice him to come back. He was great at communicating to the players on defense, which I think is enough to qualify for the job of the dean. Another positive to bringing back Diaz is that he’s already been here. He already knows the campus, the people in power, and the community! Manny Diaz, I hope we welcome you back to Happy Valley!
Jayla Nartatez: Walter Middlebrook
Walter Middlebrook is an awesome professor and would be an even greater dean. Middlebrook is a journalism professor who has helped me develop my writing skills by giving me advice and constructive criticism. It is clear to me that Middlebrook is serious and passionate about journalism and wants to see his students succeed in their own careers. He also has a great sense of humor and not to mention, has won several awards. Middlebrook would make an excellent dean for his hard work, dedication, and reliability. Also, if it weren’t for Middlebrook’s advice and encouragement, I would not be writing for Onward State.
Dillon Williams: Connor Stalions
He’s already used to communicating with Big Ten teams outside of his own, so why not extend that grace to the Bellisario College of Communications?
Evan Halfen: Brian Shoenfelt
If anyone is capable of filling in Hardin’s shoes, it’s hands down Brian Shoenfelt. After dealing with dozens of communication students every semester, I think he would lead the college gracefully and effortlessly. I love that man with my whole heart.
Joe Lister: Marie Hardin
Please don’t leave, Dean.
Your ad blocker is on.
Please choose an option below.
Purchase a Subscription!