FAU’s communication program is getting a new director.

Susan Reilly, who has held the job for fourteen years, is stepping down at the end of this semester.

Reilly said she initially thought about resigning from her position in May, but it was not until three weeks ago that she was formally asked to step down by the interim dean of the College of Arts and Letters, Heather Coltman.

Coltman said that Reilly intended to resign as director after spring 2012, but Reilly ultimately agreed with Coltman’s request that a new director be appointed at the end of this semester. The change in leadership, according to Coltman, will help advance current and future projects for the school.

“There are many projects that lie ahead for the college, including SACS accreditation and strategic planning, and I prefer to have a new director in place while the faculty are all on campus,” said Coltman.

Reilly echoed Coltman’s point about the upcoming Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) re-accreditation process. SACS evaluates a school’s standards based on guidelines including academic integrity, ongoing research and whether the number of faculty members accommodate students’ needs.

When Reilly came to FAU in 1998 from Miami University, (in Ohio, not Florida), the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies had around 300 students. Reilly said that in 2011, the school has grown to around 1200 students, with 470 freshmen coming into the school this year alone.

Reilly will return to teaching full time in the spring. She will be teaching both graduate and undergraduate courses.  At press time, it was not clear how, or whether, her salary would be affected.

“I’m looking forward to going back to the classroom. I’ve been [director] for 14 years,” said Reilly.

“Dr. Reilly has been an outstanding administrator and advocate for the students,” said Coltman. “All of us at FAU are indebted to her for her tireless and passionate work.”

The College of Arts and Letters has not chosen a new director yet. Coltman told the UP that the department will select a replacement before the end of the semester. Reilly is expected to assist with the transition in leadership.

“If they ask me for my opinion, I’ll give it to them,” said Reilly, “We just have to find someone crazy enough to [take the position].”