Emily Metzgar, the former director and professor of Kent State’s School of Media and Journalism, has been named the next Dean of Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario’s College of Communications. Metzgar’s appointment will begin on July 1.

Metzgar will succeed former Dean Marie Hardin, who left the position in July 2025 to become the president at Quinnipiac University. Denise Bortree has served as the interim dean as leadership worked to fill the position.

“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Metzgar to Penn State as the next dean of the Bellisario College of Communications,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos. “Dr. Metzgar brings a thoughtful vision for strengthening the student experience and preparing graduates to lead and innovate in a rapidly evolving communications landscape.

At a time of profound change in communications, educating the next generation of practitioners, scholars and media specialists is more important than ever. Under Dr. Metzgar’s leadership, Penn State will continue to be well positioned as a national leader in communications education and scholarship, and I look forward to working with her as she builds on the college’s many strengths and leads it into an exciting new era.”

At Kent State, Metzgar worked to remove barriers to student retention, review course offerings and prerequisites, develop new minors and certificates, and update school facilities. She strived to create new channels for communication with stakeholders and identify opportunities for the school to meet the needs of communities served by the university.

Prior to her time at Kent State, Metzgar was a faculty member at The Media School at Indiana University from 2008 to 2020, serving as director of the school’s honors program from 2015 to 2018 and director of undergraduate studies from 2018 to 2020.

Metzgar also served as a U.S. diplomat, policy analyst, and journalist. A large focus of her research and writing focuses on the bridge between foreign policy and media, reflected in her recent and forthcoming publications.

With her work in the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication (ASJMC) and a recent tenure of service on the board of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), Metzgar is equipped to bring a wealth of knowledge to the college in an ever-evolving information landscape.

She dons a Ph.D. in Media and Public Affairs from Louisiana State University, M.A. in International Politics from The George Washington University, and B.A. in Political Science and French from the University of Michigan.

“I am humbled and honored to join the Bellisario College of Communications as its next dean,” Metzgar said. “It is clear this is a special place — one defined by creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. I am excited to support and expand the college’s role as a leader among top research institutions, where innovative scholarship and creative work drive meaningful impact.

At the same time, our mission must always center on our students. I look forward to continuing to build cutting-edge experiences that prepare them for life and career success — through new technologies, hands-on learning, and opportunities for experiential learning. Just as important is my commitment to the people who make this college exceptional. I am dedicated to supporting all of our faculty, staff and students and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. It is a privilege to join such a vibrant and distinguished community, and I look forward to working together to build the next chapter in the college’s rich history.”