Professor Cynthia King named Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence

Professor of Communication Studies Cynthia King has been appointed associate dean of diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence in the Division of Academic Affairs. She will begin her work in this role on July 1.

“Since joining the faculty in 2006, Cynthia has become widely known as a dedicated and inspiring classroom instructor, an innovative scholar in rhetoric and public discourse, an expert collaborator with faculty and staff from across campus, and a tireless devotee to advancing Furman’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. She has served Furman in a variety of leadership positions, including a five-year term as department chair,” said Dean of Faculty Jeremy Cass in a campus-wide email. “She was a member of the Strategic Vision Advisory Committee and chaired a subcommittee of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.” 

King won the Alester G. Furman, Jr., and Janie Earle Furman Award for Meritorious Teaching in 2015. Outside of Furman, she has led numerous workshops on communication and leadership for academic, educational, business and nonprofit organizations. She also serves on the boards of Jasmine Road, a residential program for adult women survivors of human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction, and My Neighbor’s Voice, which facilitates civic interaction through listening and civil dialogue.

“My colleagues and I look forward to welcoming Cynthia into the Academic Leadership Team and partnering with her as she sets to work in this important new position,” Cass said.