KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 26, 2019

Experienced academician to lead College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Kennesaw State University President Pamela Whitten and Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kathy Schwaig have named Shawn Long as dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, effective July 15.

Long currently serves as senior associate dean for academic budget and personnel for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he also served as associate dean of academic affairs and as chair of the Department of Communication Studies. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the College, he has played an integral role in facility improvements.

“We are delighted to have someone with Dr. Long’s pedigree and experience join us in helping make Kennesaw State and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences a premier destination for students,” Whitten said. “He is a proven leader who truly cares for the success of his students and faculty, and I have no doubt that he will serve the college and our university well.”

An accomplished author, Long has penned numerous peer-reviewed articles and has published three books: Communication, Relationships, and Practices in Virtual Work; Virtual Work and Human Interaction Research; and Contexts of the Dark Side of Communication. His research interests include organizational communication, virtual work, virtual teams, and health communication. In his academic career, he has received more than $1.3 million in project funding as a principal investigator or co-principal investigator.

“Dr. Long brings with him not only an impressive portfolio of academic and professional experiences, but also an intense dedication to advancing the humanities and social sciences in the lives of our students and in the broader community,” Schwaig said.

Long received his doctorate in communication from the University of Kentucky and his master’s degree in public administration and bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant administration from Tennessee State University.

“I very much look forward to joining the many talented faculty and students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences,” Long said. “Kennesaw State is an institution on the rise, and I am committed to championing its mission of building the leaders of tomorrow through an excellent educational experience.”

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.