The leadership transition will take place June 15, 2026, as Cohen takes on a new role at the University of Minnesota.
After nine years serving as director of the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Dr. Elisia Cohen has accepted a position as Vice Provost for Graduate and Professional Education and Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Minnesota. Her appointment takes effect June 15, 2026, pending approval by the Board of Regents.
Since joining the Hubbard School in 2017, Cohen has successfully managed two reaccreditation processes, including one this past academic year which yielded a unanimous approval from the ACEJMC. During her tenure she oversaw several major construction projects in Murphy Hall, including building the lower level Media Hub and the fourth floor Center Suite; shepherded the School through the Covid pandemic and enhanced distributed learning opportunities; and spearheaded a 100th anniversary gala that launched a series of innovative programs and industry partnerships. Under her leadership, Hubbard became home to the first Strategic Communication Hub and online professional MA program of its kind focused on AI-readiness and classroom-to-career connections.
In recent years, she also collaborated with faculty and industry leaders to expand co-curricular undergraduate professional development opportunities through Backpack, NSAC, PRSSA, Report for Minnesota, Hubbard Reporting Experience, MN+Folio and the newest student club initiative: the Maroon & Gold Sports Network. Her outreach to alumni, donors and friends of the School has helped facilitate the creation of 37 new funds, including 23 scholarships or fellowships. Under Cohen’s leadership, in 2026 the School has received over $2.5 million in new gifts or commitments, and total endowment dollars have grown through gifts and investment returns by over $26 million during her time here.
“Elisia's financial acumen has insured the stability and growth of the Hubbard School,” says Professor Emerita Jane Kirtley, former Director of the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law and the Interim Director of the Hubbard School prior to Cohen’s hiring. “Her ability to identify and attract new sources of funding, and to marshal existing resources and direct them to support new initiatives, has been remarkable.”
In all of her relationships here at Hubbard — with donors, alumni, industry professionals, faculty, staff and students — Cohen has fostered a sense of community and stability in the School through her steady hand, quick wit and sharp attention to detail. Cohen’s leadership has been stalwart, energetic and compassionate, and the Hubbard School is a better place in countless ways because of her.
“Elisia was and always will be a champion,” says Scott Meyer, Outreach Director for the Master’s in Strategic Communication program. “A champion for the school. For our people. For our students. For our future. For justice. For removing barriers. For believing anything is possible.”
During her time at Hubbard, Cohen also convened the Director’s Advisory Council, a group of more than two dozen professional luminaries from the Twin Cities journalism and communication communities. DAC member Deborah Hopp, retired president of MSP Communications and a UMN alum, reflected on Cohen’s work at Hubbard and transition to her new role: "Obviously Elisia is a great scholar and teacher, but what really impresses me is how close she is to student experience and success whether grad or undergrad. And that emphasis is borne out in Hubbard's results. I'm delighted that her energy and wisdom will now benefit the entire University community. She's a star."
In her new role, Cohen will guide strategy for graduate and professional education across the University’s five campuses, with a focus on program excellence, student support and strengthening connections across disciplines. She will also provide leadership for the University’s postdoctoral community, advancing efforts to support postdoctoral scholars’ professional development and research success.
“While I am thrilled by this next chapter, the decision to step down as Director of the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication was not easy,” says Cohen. “Serving in this role has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Announcing the Interim Director of the Hubbard School
College of Liberal Arts Dean GerShun Avilez has selected current Associate Director for Faculty and Administration Dr. María E. Len-Ríos to succeed Cohen as Interim Director and Cowles Endowed Professor of Media Management and Economics.
Len-Ríos joined the Hubbard School in 2022 after serving four years as associate dean for academic affairs and professor of public relations at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication at the University of Georgia, widely known for being the home of the Peabody Awards and the Carmical Sports Media Institute.
Joining the faculty at Minnesota was like coming home: she’s a Macalester College (St. Paul) grad, both her parents are graduates of the University of Minnesota: Twin Cities and her uncle was a writer and editor for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
In her role as Associate Director, Len-Ríos managed faculty hiring and faculty development processes. She established the Hubbard School’s annual “Teaching Palooza” to enhance the use of instructional technology and effective course design to support student success. She also has supported innovative faculty development initiatives, including faculty and staff training with industry leaders to share strategies for integrating AI into newsroom, advertising and PR agency workflows. Her initiatives have resulted in College of Liberal Arts pilot project awards to support faculty options to integrate an “Excellence Framework” in the unit’s coursework to meet and exceed accreditation standards for developing a culturally proficient workforce. She has also been instrumental in the alignment of the Strategic Communication Hub and has strengthened hiring in support of new programmatic efforts in sports media and promotion.
Len-Ríos conducts research in the areas of public relations, journalism, health communication and their influence on media professions and public culture. The third edition of her co-authored textbook Cross-Cultural Journalism and Strategic Communication: Storytelling and Diversity will be published this fall by Routledge (U.K.). She has won more than 10 top paper awards at regional, national and international academic conferences, published numerous journal articles with colleagues and has served in various roles on large and small grant projects. She is in her second term as a member of the Page Up Operating Committee and has served in leadership positions in other national and international journalism and communication higher education associations.
As an outstanding scholar and an esteemed member of the Hubbard School, Len-Ríos brings a wealth of experience and dedication to this vital leadership role, including eight years as a faculty member at the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, 10 years at the Missouri School of Journalism, two years at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and two years at Georgia Southern University. Her appointment will continue through June 11, 2028, or until a permanent director is appointed.
“We are fortunate to have a leader of her caliber to provide stability and vision as we prepare to launch a national search for the School's next leader,” says Dean Avilez. A national search process to select a permanent director will be announced in the next academic year.
As Interim Director, Len-Ríos will serve as the chief administrator and academic leader for the School. She will oversee its strategic direction, budgets, faculty tenure and promotion, and the curriculum. Furthermore, she will work in close collaboration with college leadership to address the School’s key priorities.
“Serving in this position is an honor and a privilege,” says Len-Ríos, “especially knowing what big shoes Elisia is leaving to be filled. My intention is to work with our stellar faculty, staff, students and community through this transition with grace, humility and tremendous excitement for what lies ahead for the Hubbard School.”
