Drake University has announced the appointments of Kelly Bruhn as dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and Megan Brown as dean of the John Dee Bright College. Bruhn, who joined Drake’s faculty in 2009, will begin her role on July 1, 2026, succeeding retiring dean Catherine Staub. A public relations scholar and former industry professional, Bruhn will be the school’s ninth dean since its founding in 1962. Brown, a longtime English professor and founding faculty member of Bright College, succeeds Craig Owens as the second dean of the two year college. Owens is staying at Drake as executive director of the Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement, a role he was appointed to in August.