Prabu David, currently a professor and associate dean at Washington State University, has been recommended to serve as dean of the Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences.
David’s appointment is subject to approval by the MSU Board of Trustees. If approved, the appointment would be effective Jan. 1, 2015.
“Dr. David brings a fresh and exciting perspective to the College of Communication Arts and Sciences,” said MSU Provost June Youatt. “His significant experience in building interdisciplinary programs and activities will allow him to see new opportunities within and outside the college, and to build on the college's international reputation for innovation.”
David is a professor of communication and associate dean for academics at the Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University, positions he has held since 2010.
From 1993 to 2010 he was on the faculty at Ohio State University, where he held a number of posts, including assistant and associate professor; director of undergraduate studies at the university’s School of Communication; and faculty associate with OSU’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Center for Public Health Preparedness.
His research emphasis is communication technology and health. His current research focuses on mobile media, which involves designing mobile apps for health outcomes and the study of multitasking.
He has served as an investigator or co-investigator on projects funded by the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control, U.S. Department of State, the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
David earned a bachelor of science degree from Loyola College, Chennai, India, in 1983; a master’s degree in journalism from Ohio University in 1988; and doctoral degree in mass communication from the University of North Carolina in 1993.
David will succeed Stephen Lacy, who has served as acting dean since January. Prior to that Pamela Whitten was dean from 2009-13.