Diane Gayeski, dean of the graduate and professional studies at Ithaca College, will serve as the interim dean of the Roy H. Park School of Communications, according to an announcement the college made Monday.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity,” she said. “It’s a big challenge but having been a member of the faculty for 30 years … I do have a pretty good understanding of the position.”

Gayeski will serve as dean for the 2009-10 academic year while a search is conducted for a new dean in place of Dianne Lynch, who will serve as president of Stephens College.

Gayeski also directs the college's online certificate programs in strategic communication management and performance improvement management.

Rob Gearhart, associate dean of GPS, will lead the division for the upcoming academic year.