Senior Associate Dean Kristin Gilger will serve as interim dean at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication as the University searches for a permanent replacement, an email from ASU Provost Mark Searle said.
Gilger's appointment comes two days after the University rescinded its offer to Sonya Forte Duhé, who has an alleged history of making racist and homophobic remarks toward her students, according to an investigation by The State Press.
"As a leader in journalism for decades and a part of the Cronkite School leadership team since 2007, Professor Gilger is well positioned to step in and continue advancing the Cronkite School as we search for a permanent dean," Searle's email said.
Gilger joined the University in 2002 and has served in her senior associate dean position since 2007. At the Cronkite School, she also serves as the executive director for both the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism and the National Center on Disability and Journalism.
Gilger was one of 30 Cronkite faculty members who originally signed a letter to University President Michael Crow detailing concerns about Duhé's behavior and ability to lead the school.
Twenty-three of Duhé's students came forward in the investigation by The State Press and detailed experiences with her in the classroom and newsroom. Students said Duhé made comments on their appearance, particularly directed to women of color, frequently in classroom settings.
READ MORE: Incoming Cronkite dean has alleged history of racist, homophobic comments toward students
The letter from faculty, obtained by The State Press, detailed a meeting faculty had with Duhé, stating they felt she "berated staff" and worried the school's reputation would be in "serious jeopardy" without her removal.
In a statement from the University about Duhé's removal, Searle said, "I now find that the future of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and our public television station will be better served by not advancing with Dr. Duhé as their leader."
READ MORE: Sonya Forte Duhé will not be next Cronkite School dean
Once Duhé's students' stories were made public, four multicultural student organizations issued a public statement asking for Duhé's removal, saying her alleged behavior had "no place" at ASU, an institution they said attempts to champion inclusion.
Wyatt Myskow contributed to the reporting of this article.
Reach the reporter at pjhanse1@asu.edu and follow @piperjhansen on Twitter.
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Piper Hansen is the digital editor-in-chief at The State Press, overseeing all digital content. Joining SP in Spring 2020, she has covered student government, housing and COVID-19. She has previously written about state politics for The Arizona Republic and the Arizona Capitol Times and covers social justice for Cronkite News.
