New Dean Brings Academic Leadership Experience to ESU's School of Humanities and Social Sciences

by Gwendolynne Larson

Emporia, KS (04/17/2025) — The first permanent dean of Emporia State University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Mark Meister, brings an academic background in communication and communication studies and administration experience as a department chair and associate dean. He will return to the Midwest from Central Washington University on July 7, when he assumes his new role.

Meister earned his bachelor's degree in communication and English writing from Carroll College in Montana, a master's degree in speech communication from North Dakota State University, and his Ph.D. in communication studies from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He served in faculty and administration roles at North Dakota State University from 1997 until 2020, when he joined Central Washington University as professor and associate dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.

"I'm excited to join ESU's profound tradition and legacy of student-centeredness and academic excellence," Meister said. "During my visit, my conversations with HSS students, faculty, staff and ESU administrators confirmed this authenticity. I'm honored to share my enthusiasm, passion and engagement in service and collaboration with HSS and ESU."

Meister has taught courses on rhetorical theory, communication ethics, rhetorical criticism, and argumentation during his career. His primary area of scholarly interest is environmental rhetoric and communication ethics. Meister wrote "Enviropop: Studies in Environmental Rhetoric and Popular Culture" (Praeger Press) and is co-author of "Communication Ethics, Media, and Popular Culture" (Peter Lang Publishing Co.)

ESU's School of Humanities and Social Sciences includes communication, criminology, history and government programs, languages, literature and writing, sociology, and secondary teaching. These programs teach students what it means to be good citizens and resourcesful employees, Meister said.

Throughout his career, Meister has explicitly emphasized connecting the humanities and social sciences with civility, career preparation and development.

"The ideas, theories, and processes that teach students about professionalism, ethics, leadership, citizenship, teamwork, eloquence and problem-solving translate directly into career-ready duties that leverage and manage resources, collaborate to complete tasks, and ethically implement technology," he explained.

"Dr. Meister impressed me with his focus on students and his deep commitment to student success," said R. Brent Thomas, ESU provost and vice president for academic affairs. "I am excited that Dr. Meister will join Hornet Nation as the inaugural dean of the School of Humanities & Social Sciences. He has years of experience as a faculty member, faculty senate president, department chair and as an associate dean. He is fully prepared for this important leadership position at ESU."

NOTE TO BROADCAST MEDIA: Meister is pronounced MY-stir

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Dr. Mark Meister is the permanent dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Emporia State University. He will begin his new role on July 7.

Emporia State University

New Dean Brings Academic Leadership Experience to ESU's School of Humanities and Social Sciences

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