The current dean of the Graduate School, Cherisse Jones-Branch, Ph.D., was named the new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Communication (CLAC) April 11 following an internal search. 

Jones-Branch will become dean effective July 1. She replaces interim dean Brad Rawlins, Ph.D. Rawlins said he is excited to return to the classroom and pursue his research interests. 

“I am excited about this opportunity to work with CLAC students, faculty and staff as we continue to emphasize liberal and communication as core and essential components of a university education,” Jones-Branch said in a press release. 

She started at A-State in 2003 in the Department of History, becoming a professor in 2017. She was named dean of the Graduate School in 2020. 

“During the search, she shared a strong vision for the future of the college and a demonstrated understanding of the unique challenges facing colleges of liberal arts and communications. I look forward to supporting her efforts to elevate the college and its diverse academic departments and programs,” Provost Calvin White, Ph.D., said in a press release. 

Jones-Branch earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in American history from the College of Charleston. In 2003, she earned her doctorate in American history from Ohio State University. 

A published author, she has written about the activism of Black women in the South throughout history. She also served as a specialist in the 941st Transportation Company as part of the U.S. Army Reserves during the Persian Gulf War.  

In addition, Jones-Branch works on the Black History Moments radio show on KLEK 102.5, where she researches and records her own shows on Black history and global news. 

“Dr. Jones-Branch has extensive familiarity with the college and significant leadership experience. It will be exciting to see where she takes the college in the next few years,” Rawlins said. 

Ben McDowell, staff writer, contributed to this report.

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