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New Leaders

New Leaders

New leadership and faculty

2024-2025

NEW LEADERSHIP

Guan-Soon Khoo named director of the Moody College Honors Program

Guan-Soon Khoo, Ph.D. is an associate professor of instruction in the Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations who teaches primarily in the interdisciplinary Communication and Leadership program. As director of the Moody College Honors Program, he advises and oversees thesis projects and teaches courses specific to the program. Under Khoo’s leadership, the Moody College Honors Program continues to cultivate a dynamic community of intellectually curious, socially engaged and forward-thinking students. Through interdisciplinary coursework, faculty mentorship and independent research, the program empowers students to explore the most pressing questions in communication and society. As we look ahead, the program remains committed to fostering ethical communicators and transformative leaders who will shape the future of media, culture and public discourse.

Matthew Eastin named director of the Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations

The Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations welcomes Matthew Eastin, Ph.D. as its new director — a dedicated educator and leader who has shaped the academic journey of students at Moody College since 2007. With a distinguished career that includes roles as professor, Ph.D. program adviser, and co-founding director of the Nelson Center for Brand and Demand Analytics, Eastin brings a depth of experience in media engagement, research and mentorship. Under his leadership, the school continues its mission to prepare the next generation of creative and strategic communicators through a blend of rigorous academics, hands-on experience and industry collaboration. With a strong commitment to innovation, ethical leadership and critical thinking, the Stan Richards School remains a hub for developing professionals ready to make an impact across advertising, public relations and beyond.

Natalie Tindall named director of the Communication and Leadership degree program

Fresh off her term as director of the Stan Richards School, Natalie T. J. Tindall, Ph.D., APR, now serves as director of the Communication and Leadership degree program. A nationally recognized scholar and the Isabella Cunningham Chair in Advertising, Tindall brings a wealth of experience in public relations, participatory culture and strategic communication. Her leadership reflects the program’s mission to educate and inspire ethical, effective communicators who lead positive change in a complex world. With its interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on real-world impact, the Communication and Leadership program empowers students to become thoughtful leaders equipped to navigate today’s most pressing social challenges.

NEW FACULTY

Byron Fong

Assistant professor, Department of Radio-Television-Film

Jasmine Wu

Assistant professor, Department of Communication Studies 

Laura Friedman

Assistant professor, Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 

Ryan Tinlin

Assistant professor of instruction, Department of Communication Studies

Shengchun Huang

Assistant professor, School of Journalism and Media 

Slaveya Minkova

Visiting assistant professor, Department of Radio-Television-Film