RADFORD -- Radford University has hired Lynn M. Zoch as the founding director of its School of Communication.

Zoch comes to RU from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of South Carolina where she has been a faculty member and administrator since 1993.

RU’s School of Communication combines the departments of communication and media studies and will open for classes in the fall of 2008.

“I see so much potential in the new School of Communication,” Zoch said. “We’re bringing together two strong departments, and the synergy in the new school will cause great things to happen. I’m looking forward to getting started full-time.”

At South Carolina, Zoch was director of master’s degree programs in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and had previously been director of the College’s Center for Mass Communication Research. Zoch is an authority on integrated communications, public relations management and mass communication management issues. She also teaches qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Zoch brings to RU a wealth of experience in not-for-profit and educational public relations and has worked as a consultant for regional and national associations, not-for-profit organizations and government agencies.

In addition, Zoch has contributed scholarship through her published book chapters, articles, and reviews and in presentations at numerous national and international conferences.

Zoch is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and has served on the Educator’s Academy board.

Zoch earned a Ph.D. in public communication with an emphasis on organizational communication and a master’s degree in public relations management from Syracuse University. She earned a bachelor’s of arts from St. Lawrence University.

The School of Communication will offer undergraduate degrees with concentrations in advertising, corporate communication and public advocacy, journalism, production technology, public relations, and web design. The school will also offer a master’s of science degree in corporate and professional communication.