Kerry Priest, Ph.D., associate professor in the Staley School of Leadership Studies, was recently named director for Kansas State University’s interdisciplinary leadership communication doctoral program.
Priest takes over the role from Tim Steffensmeier, Ph.D., professor and director of the program from 2017 to 2021. Under Steffensmeier’s leadership, the interdisciplinary research degree launched and has grown to 31 active students and three recent doctoral graduates.
This collaborative program includes 22 core and associate faculty from K-State’s department of communications and agricultural education, department of communication studies, Staley School of Leadership Studies, A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications, and the department of educational leadership.
As director, Priest provides strategic administration of the program, developing and executing plans to support and advance recruitment efforts, graduate education, and engaged research activity among students and faculty.
“Dr. Priest brings tremendous enthusiasm and talent to the role of director,” says Jason Ellis, Ph.D., department head for communications and agricultural education and program advisory team member. “Her background, academic preparation, and experience will serve her well in leading this interdisciplinary program. Dr. Steffensmeier set the program on a tremendous trajectory of success and Kerry is poised to continue that momentum.”
Priest has been a faculty member with the Staley School for 10 years, and a leadership communication faculty member since the program began.
