Executive Council
Katherine (Kit) Jenkins, Interim Associate Dean
Professor Kit Jenkins is serving as Interim Associate Dean. In that role she oversees internal academic processes and day-to-day operations for the School of Communications. Kit is particularly focused on internationalizing the curriculum, drawing from her four years as director of the Webster University campus in Thailand, and building on the synergy of our worldwide network of campuses.
Assessment and curriculum development are also her responsibility. Working with faculty to develop new and exciting opportunities for students is one of her favorite tasks.
Kit is married and lives in South St. Louis with her husband and two cats. Mother of two daughters, she is the proud grandmother of two perfect granddaughters.
Contact Information
Office phone 314-246-8638
Email
Michael Zakibe, Director of Operations
As the Director of Operations for the School of Communications, Michael Zakibe is
the liaison between the Dean's Office and the faculty, staff, and students of the
School of Communications for decisions involving financial policies, budgets, and
expenditures.
Michael provides monthly departmental budget variance analysis and serves as an advisor in the development of the capital spending and minor equipment budgets for the departments within the School of Communications. He works closely with department chairs and with the leaders of student clubs and organizations that have budgeted funds.
He also works on special projects for the dean, including his current involvement on the planning committee researching the best way to redesign the Sverdrup Building.
Michael Zakibe is a St. Louis native. He recently returned from Los Angeles where he spent much of his career working for NBC. His most recent position was director of television operations and production finance for NBC Universal.
Contact Information
Office phone 314-246-7830
Email
Susan Napoleon, Assistant to the Dean
In her role as assistant to the dean, Susan Napoleon has wide-ranging responsibilities. She administers strategic initiatives and supports the development of key external relationships. She handles projects as diverse as event planning, space utilization, and office moves. She is the liaison between Dean Rothenbuhler and other constituencies in the university. She is an invaluable resource for the faculty, staff and students of the School of Communications.
Susan is active in the International Association of Administrative Professionals. She has a daughter in college and two married sons.
Contact Information
Office phone 314-246-7154
Email
Barry Hufker, Chair, Department of Audio Aesthetics and Technology
Barry Hufker is the chair for the Department of Audio Aesthetics and Technology. This includes the undergraduate majors of audio production and audio production with an emphasis in international audio production along with the minor audio production and the entrepreneurship for audio majors certificate.
Contact Information
Office phone 314-246-7654
Email
Kathy Corley, Chair, Department of Electronic and Photographic Media
Kathy Corley is the chair for the Department of Electronic and Photographic Media. This includes undergraduate majors from animation to video production.
Contact Information
Office phone 314-968-6923
Email
Gary Ford, Chair, Department Communications and Journalism
Gary Ford is chair of the Department of Communications and Journalism. This includes undergraduate majors from advertising and marketing communications to speech communication studies.
Contact Information
Office phone 314-246-8632
Email