As the Department of Communication at Klein College of Media and Communication enters a new chapter, its direction is being shaped by leadership grounded in purpose, scholarship and a deep commitment to student success. Dr. Joy Y. Pierce, who became chair in 2024, brings to the role a rich background in interdisciplinary research, equity-focused teaching and collaborative academic leadership.  

A scholar of communication, sociology and education, Pierce joined Klein after nearly two decades at the University of Utah, where she served as associate dean and held faculty appointments in the departments of communication, and writing and rhetoric studies. Her primary line of research is in digital divides, equity and literacies within underserved communities, aligning with community-engaged scholarship that resonates with the Temple mission and its students. 

“I have always admired Temple University’s mission,” Pierce said. “When the opportunity arose to lead a department committed to civic engagement and social change, I knew I had to apply. What impressed me most was the caliber of the faculty—their research, their teaching and their deep investment in our students.” 

A Name That Reflects the Work 

In spring 2025, the department announced that it would change its name from Communication and Social Influence (CSI) to simply Communication (COMM), effective fall 2025. The update brings the name in line with national disciplinary norms and clarifies the department’s academic focus for prospective students and broader academic and professional communities. 

“The name change brings clarity to what we do and helps prospective students and their families understand the power and possibilities of a communication degree,” Pierce said. “Our faculty’s teaching and research have always aligned with the core areas of the field.” 

While the previous name resonated with scholars in the discipline, terms like “social influence” often required further explanation. The updated name not only reflects the department’s identity but also aligns with the naming conventions of peer institutions. 

“The new name reflects the academic focus on communication, which is a field that has a history of rich research that has informed practice in science, health, and organizations as well as everyday engagement in advocacy and conflict management. It reflects both the intellectual integrity of the department and our commitment to preparing students to lead in diverse and evolving communication fields,” said Dr. Deborah Cai, acting dean of Klein College and professor in the Department of Communication. “Since joining the department last summer, Dr. Pierce’s leadership has helped clarify the department’s strengths in research, community engagement and inclusive learning.” 

Building on Strengths 

Pierce’s vision builds on existing department strengths, including research and teaching in science and health communication, organizational communication, environmental and risk communication, conflict and negotiation and digital culture. 

“I get to advocate for and promote faculty who are doing groundbreaking, community-centered research,” she said. “Their work doesn’t stay in academic journals—it lives in the classroom, in student projects and in the broader world. I’m proud of how they connect theory to practice and collaborate across disciplines.” 

That collaboration often extends beyond the university. Faculty regularly engage with community partners in Philadelphia and with scholars around the globe. Their research spans topics such as activism, technology, policy and environmental justice and often includes mentorship of undergraduate students. 

Evolving Curriculum and Expanding Opportunity 

The department recently refreshed its minor in communication and activism, with additional curricular developments underway. Pierce is also focused on growing undergraduate enrollment and increasing awareness of the department’s impact and relevance. 

“All of our classes are taught by highly qualified instructors—all of whom hold or are earning doctorates in communication or related fields,” she said. “Our students receive instruction informed by leading research, often from the very scholars who are helping to shape the field.” 

Pierce also sees opportunities to expand student access to Temple’s global campuses and is advocating for new partnerships that bridge communication with other disciplines across the university. 

A Department for Impact-Driven Students 

For students interested in advocacy, public health, social justice, community engagement, law or graduate studies, a communication degree offers a flexible and powerful foundation. 

“This is a department for students who want to make a difference,” Pierce said. “They may not know exactly how when they arrive, but we help them find their voice, develop their skills and translate their goals into action.” 

The department’s emphasis on experiential learning allows students to build both practical and conceptual knowledge, preparing them for careers and continued education in a variety of fields. Instruction is rooted in contemporary scholarship, often informed by the faculty’s own publications and active research. 

“For me, the most impactful part of my experience in the Department of Communication was the genuine investment every professor made in my success,” Ray Epstein, a 2025 communication and social influence student, said. “They didn’t just teach. They went out of their way to open doors, provide thoughtful mentorship, and build lasting relationships. The department’s size meant I had the chance to take multiple classes with the same professors, deepening those connections in ways that wouldn’t have been possible elsewhere. From personalized feedback to introductions across my future career field, opportunities for growth were truly endless. These professors became more than educators; they became lifelong mentors, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.” 

Leadership Rooted in Equity and Collaboration 

Pierce’s leadership style reflects her commitment to inclusion, transparency, and shared governance. As a TRIO alum—a federal program that supports first-generation and low-income college students— she understands the challenges many Temple students face and brings that awareness into her approach to department culture. 

“I believe strong leadership is grounded in clear communication, trust and a collaborative mindset,” she said. “We’re all in this together—faculty, staff and students. When our graduating seniors say they felt seen and supported here, that tells me we’re doing something right.” 

Her long-term goals include deepening the department’s connection to Temple’s mission, growing enrollment, expanding community partnerships and continuing to shape a curriculum that prepares students for the evolving media and communication landscape. 

“The world is changing—and communication is at the heart of that change,” Pierce said. “We’re committed to helping students find their place in that future, with the tools, values and confidence to lead.”