Dean's Office
The Dean's Office for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State helps connect ComArtSci faculty, staff, alumni and students and raise awareness.
Our People
Faculty
Heidi Hennink-Kaminski
DeanDepartment
Dean
Heidi Hennink-Kaminski, Ph.D., is dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University and a professor in the Department of Advertising + Public Relations. A dynamic and compassionate higher education leader, Hennink-Kaminski brings more than a decade of experience in academic administration to ComArtSci. With a passion for lifelong learning, she excels in strategic planning, program development, and building consensus among partners and stakeholders. She has a proven track record of developing and reinvigorating programs by leveraging her deep expertise in research to identify opportunities and challenges, fostering collaboration, and driving initiatives that align with institutional missions.
Heidi Hennink-Kaminski, Ph.D., is dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University and a professor in the Department of Advertising + Public Relations. A dynamic and compassionate higher education leader, Hennink-Kaminski brings more than a decade of experience in academic administration to ComArtSci. With a passion for lifelong learning, she excels in strategic planning, program development, and building consensus among partners and stakeholders. She has a proven track record of developing and reinvigorating programs by leveraging her deep expertise in research to identify opportunities and challenges, fostering collaboration, and driving initiatives that align with institutional missions.
Contact
Staff
Dan Olsen
Chief of StaffDepartment
Dean
Dan Olsen is the Chief of Staff for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, where he works alongside academic and administrative leadership to drive strategy, support transformation and elevate the college’s impact.
Dan Olsen is the Chief of Staff for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, where he works alongside academic and administrative leadership to drive strategy, support transformation and elevate the college’s impact.
Contact
Staff
Kari Schueller
Assistant Dean of Undergraduate StudiesDepartment
Dean
Contact
Staff
Staff
Lauren Gaines
Assistant Dean for Access and EngagementDepartment
Dean
Contact
Faculty
Geri Zeldes
Professor + Associate Dean of Faculty & Academic StaffDepartment
Journalism
Geri Alumit Zeldes, Ph.D., is a tenured professor in MSU’s School of Journalism. Her anthology includes journal articles, documentary films, radio documentaries, book chapters and a comic book - many works recognized by international communication associations such as the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the Broadcast Education Association.
Geri Alumit Zeldes, Ph.D., is a tenured professor in MSU’s School of Journalism. Her anthology includes journal articles, documentary films, radio documentaries, book chapters and a comic book - many works recognized by international communication associations such as the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the Broadcast Education Association.
Contact
Staff
Jennifer Spitzley
Human Resources ManagerDepartment
Dean
Contact
Staff
Kristen McGrath
Senior Director of DevelopmentDepartment
Dean
Contact
Staff
Kristin Butler-Hurvitz
Executive AssistantDepartment
Dean
Contact
Staff
Sri Kalyanaraman
Senior Associate Dean for ResearchDepartment
Dean
Dr. Sriram “Sri” Kalyanaraman is Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Research at Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences. His prior academic appointments have been professorial positions at the University of Florida’s (UF) College of Journalism and Communications and the University of North Carolina’s (UNC) Hussman School of Journalism and Media.
Dr. Sriram “Sri” Kalyanaraman is Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Research at Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences. His prior academic appointments have been professorial positions at the University of Florida’s (UF) College of Journalism and Communications and the University of North Carolina’s (UNC) Hussman School of Journalism and Media.
Contact
Staff
Tom Cummins
Director of Communication and MarketingDepartment
Dean
Contact
From the Dean
The moments that shape a Spartan
Campus feels different once commencement passes. The pace doesn’t slow — not here — but the rhythm shifts. Hallways quiet. Students head off to internships, education abroad programs, summer jobs and new opportunities that will stretch them in new ways. And for the more than 1,300 graduates who crossed the Breslin stage earlier this month, the shift is even more profound. They are stepping into the next chapter of their lives with confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose shaped by their time at ComArtSci. And I couldn’t be more proud of all they have achieved. Congratulations to all our Spring 2026 graduates!
Read more
News and Events
See what's making headlines and what we have planned at ComArtSci
Pride Points
We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished at the College of Communication Arts and Sciences over the years. Here are a few things we’re known for.
Our Location
Our Location
Office of the Dean
Communication Arts and Sciences Building
(517) 355-3410