ASU's Hugh Downs School names new interim director

The Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University has named Paul Mongeau as interim director beginning July 1.

A professor at the school since 2002, Mongeau currently serves as associate director, a position he has held since 2013. Mongeau is also an ASU alumnus, having received his BS (1981) and his MA (1983) from the then Department of Communication. 

Mongeau replaces Linda C. Lederman, a professor of health and human communication who has led the school since 2014.  Lederman previously served as dean of social sciences at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at ASU. Lederman will take a year-long research leave and then continue teaching in August 2021.

READ MORE: ASU’s Hugh Downs School director to step down on July 1

Mongeau is a leading researcher in interpersonal and persuasive communication and has an acclaimed reputation, as is reflected in how frequently his work is cited and used by other scholars in communication and other disciplines.

“Professor Mongeau’s exceptional work in the field of human communication and his commitment to excellence at ASU position him to serve as an excellent leader for the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication,” said Pardis Mahdavi, dean of social sciences in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “I look forward to collaborating with him during this exciting new chapter of the school.”

In his new appointment as interim director, Mongeau will continue to provide students and faculty with the tools to understand, analyze and respond to communication problems and opportunities, including interpersonal relationships, workplace teams, and community.

Earlier this year, Mongeau was presented the 2020 Distinguished Service Award from the Western States Communication Association at its annual conference in Denver. He was recognized for his numerous volunteer roles contributing to the success of the organization, including service as president from 2015–2016.