University of Maryland News

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Journalism Dean To Become President of St. Norbert College in Wisconsin

Kunkel
Philip Merrill College of Journalism Dean Thomas Kunkel will leave the University of Maryland at the end of the spring semester to become the president of top-rated St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. Kunkel will become the seventh president of the liberal arts institution.

A respected journalist, author, and educator, Kunkel became dean in 2000, and has lead the Philip Merrill College of Journalism to national prominence. He made curricular changes to train journalists in new media, launched a $45 million capital campaign and spearheaded a project to build a $30 million new home for the College, Knight Hall, which will break ground in May.

"Dean Kunkel's leadership has had a profound impact on the College of Journalism. The accomplishment and momentum that he leaves behind will continue for years to come," said University President C. D. Mote, Jr. "While we are sorry to see Tom go, it is satisfying to see him use his talent and energy at another level at St. Norbert College. We wish Tom all the best when he takes over the reins this fall."

Provost Nariman Farvardin says the succession plan for Kunkel will be announced soon.

St. Norbert College is a Catholic liberal arts college founded by the Norbertine Order in 1898. In 2008, U.S. News and World Report named the college one of the nation's best liberal arts schools in its annual "America's Best Colleges" issue.

For more information, please see the release on the College of Journalism web site.