Zachary Staab
Assoc. News Editor

The university’s new Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences will have no problem transition into her new role, effective July 1, 2013. Dr. Diane Umble, the former interim dean, was appointed Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences on March 27, 2013. Having served as the Interim Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences since July 1, 2010, the new position “will be pretty much the same thing,” said Umble.
umble“Don’t get me wrong,” Dr. Umble continued, “I feel honored to be selected as dean, we have fabulous faculty and I’m excited to facilitate the next step.” Dr. Umble, who earned her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, Annenberg School for Communication, likened her responsibilities to “cycles” that change with the fall, spring, and summer semesters. For Dr. Umble, with the end of a semester inching closer, her work includes supporting faculty betterment programs, monitoring summer class enrollment, formulating a budget proposal, and finalizing annual reports. The Interim Dean and current Professor of Communication and Theatre is accustom to wearing an array of hats that resemble the many duties of a dean
In her 23 years with MU, Dr. Umble has served as the Interim Associate Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2003 to 2007, as well as Acting Dean (summer 1995 and January 1996) and Acting Assistant Dean, 1994 to 1996. Dr. Umble served as chair of the Department of Communication and Theatre from 1996 to 2003. She holds two Master of Arts degrees, one from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and one from the University of Pennsylvania, Annenberg School for Communication.
Much has changed since her early days at the university, but Dr. Umble is looking forward to the promising opportunities that MU is currently presented with. One opportunity, said Dr. Umble, is the new academic minor in entrepreneurship, a program “I am eager to monitor and nurture.” On April 16 Millersville University held a ceremony in Biemesderfer Center confirming the official naming of the Entrepreneurial Academic Minor Program in recognition of Paul H. (Pete) Slaugh. Jr. Slaugh is the managing director of Homesale Services Group for Prudential Real Estate in Lancaster, Pa.
Dr. Umble is also anticipating working closely with President Anderson to prepare for the future. “John has an exciting vision to make plans for the future and his fresh ideas will benefit the university,” said Dr. Umble. She will also be be meeting with President Anderson in the near future for strategic planning and brainstorm new initiatives.