C&IS Names New Communication Studies Department Chair

Jul 1, 2020

Dr. Margaret D’Silva

The College of Communication and Information Sciences (C&IS) has announced Dr. Margaret D’Silva as the newest chair of the department of communication studies. Dr. D’Silva joins C&IS after spending 27 years at the University of Louisville’s department of communication, as well as serving as the director of Louisville’s Institute for Intercultural Communication.

“Dr. D’Silva brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Department of Communication Studies,” said Dr. Mark Nelson, Dean of C&IS. “She has a diverse portfolio of teaching experience, research, and student programs that will continue to enhance the departmental mission and the experience for our students and faculty. We are very fortunate to have her join the College.”

Dr. D’Silva will follow Dr. Beth Bennett, who will continue her work in the College as senior associate dean, a role she was holding alongside her position as department chair for the last few years.

Dr. D’Silva holds a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Kentucky and has served as editor of the journal Intercultural Communication Studies, Chair of the Asian Pacific American Caucus & Studies Division of the National Communication Association and Chair of the Southern States Communication Association’s Intercultural and Popular Communication Divisions.

Prior to earning her Ph.D., Dr. D’Silva received her bachelor’s degree from St. Agnes College in Georgia and her master’s degree from the University of Mysore in Mysore, India. Her research includes public communication campaigns, children and television, and global mass media. Dr. D’Silva begins as department chair on July 1, 2020.

Welcome Dr. D’Silva!