TROY – Dr. Maryjo Cochran, of Huntsville , Texas , has been selected as Troy University ’s new Dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts.

“Dr. Cochran brings passion, enthusiasm and expertise which will serve our students well during the years to come. We anxiously await her arrival,” said Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., the University’s chancellor.

The appointment was announced by TROY Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Dr. Ed Roach.

“Dr. Cochran is a tremendous individual and we were very lucky to attract her to Troy ,” Roach said. “Not only is she academically experienced, but she is a highly energetic person and very enthusiastic. Our College of Communication and Fine Arts faculty is enthusiastic about her appointment.”

Cochran is currently serving as the coordinator of the Radio-Television program at Sam Houston State University , a position she’s held for the past 10 years. Prior to her stint at SHSU, she was director of Television for the Theatre Arts at the University of New Mexico , served as the director of Radio-Television at Baylor University and was a faculty member at Tulsa University .

Cochran, a Michigan native, holds a doctorate and master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a bachelor of fine arts degree from Southern Methodist University. A self-proclaimed “born-again Texan,” Cochran said moving to TROY was like coming home.

“What really struck me driving in to Troy was that I felt like I was driving home,” she said. “Everything felt so comfortable and familiar even though I’ve never been in Troy . It felt as though the community was embracing me … like I was being welcomed by my family.”

While she admits making such a move could be a traumatic experience for any family, she is excited about the prospects of working at TROY .

“[In the decision to accept the deanship] I have not had a single question or misgiving. It’s more like ‘when can I get there’ and when can I get started,” she said. “One of the things that is most exciting is the international effort at TROY .  I can’t wait to get started.”

Cochran replaces Dr. Hal Fulmer, who was named associate provost for the University in August 2004.

“All of us in the College of Communication and Fine Arts are delighted to have Dr. Cochran join us.  She has a strong and impressive record of achievements as a professor, scholar, and administrator and has been an advocate for many years for the kind of programs which are found in the College of Communication and Fine Arts,” Fulmer said.  “I look forward to working with Dr. Cochran in her new role here.