Nadine Barnett Cosby Appointed Quinnipiac University’s First-Ever Black Dean

Nadine Barnett Cosby has been named dean of the School of Communications at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. Her appointment makes her the university’s first-ever Black dean. She will assume her new position on June 15.

Currently, Dr. Barnett Cosby serves as associate vice provost for academic affairs and associate professor of media and strategic communication at Iona University in New York where she has taught for over a decade. In addition to teaching various media arts courses, she is the co-founder of the university’s Black studies minor and the faculty advisor for ICTV, the university’s student television club.

Dr. Barnett Cosby has over 20 years of industry experience at various media outlets including MSG, Fox 5, Lifetime Television Networks, and Disney/ABC. Throughout her career, she has written, directed, and produced a number of different works that explore racial, cultural, and gender representation.

“As the newly appointed dean of the School of Communications at Quinnipiac University, I am honored to lead a community of dynamic minds, where I aim to inspire innovation, amplify voices, and shape the future of communication education with passion and purpose,” Dr. Barnett Cosby said. “Together, we’ll embark on a journey of exploration, collaboration, and transformative learning.”

Dr. Barnett Cosby completed her undergraduate education at Lehman College of the City University of New York. She holds a master’s degree in public relations from Iona University, a second master’s degree in media studies from The New School for Public Engagement in New York, and a Ph.D. in communication studies from Regent University in Virginia.

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