Dr. Aaron Furgason was elected as the chair of the communication department by his colleagues in July of 2015.
“My goal is to continue the excellent work and communication in the department while meeting the needs of the digital native students,” explained Furgason.
Furgason grew up in Edison, NJ and has been at the University since the fall of 2000. Furgason started as an adjunct professor and he attended Monmouth College as an undergraduate. He later received his masters at Emerson College and his doctorate at Rutgers University in Communication and Media Studies. He went on to work at Atlantic Records before becoming a professor at the University.
“Aaron has been an excellent faculty member for a number of years, providing students with opportunities to work at the university radio station,” said Laura Moriarty, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “As he takes on the chair’s role, he will expand such opportunities for communication students providing learning experiences that are both high impact and immersive – which aligns very nicely with our strategic plan and our commitment to transformative learning,”
Furgason has a wide variety of responsibilities as the Chair but plans to focus on the students. “My responsibilities are to be the spokesperson for the department and be the go to person for students,” said the chair.
“Aaron leads the Department of Communication. He has oversight responsibility for the faculty, students, and staff in the unit,” described Moriarty.
Furgason is still teaching classes as the chair and currently has a career prep class and a First Year Seminar class. Many students praised the new Chair for his commitment to teaching and inspiring students in his classes throughout the years.
“I have had Furgason for Media Analysis and Career Prep,” said Gifford Gould, senior communication major focusing in Television and Radio. “The best thing I got out of career prep is how well he puts things in perspective and how much more he inspired me to want a career in Radio and TV.”
“As a professor, Dr. Furgason makes his students feel comfortable and exited to learn,” said Larissa Trovamala, senior communication major focusing in Television and Radio. “I remember my first class with him, he made me laugh and got me way more comfortable with the outcome of the semester.”
Gould described the passion that Furgason has for the Communication Department. “…I do know Furgason will be passionate about doing everything he can to make the department continue to advance and make the students experience that much better. I don’t know anyone who has ever had a bad experience with Furgason and everyone knows how much he cares for every student that comes through the communication department.”
“I do believe that Dr. Furgason will make a good Chair of the Communication Department. He has been part of Monmouth University for a very long time and he is certainly knowledgable and personable enough for the job. I think he was chosen due to his hard work and dedication to all he does. It is rare to find such a relaxed, busy, and hardworking man,” explained Trovamala.
Furgason was an involved student when he attended Monmouth College as he was a member of the student radio station WMCX and was the Assistant Entertainment Editor for The Outlook. He has been the advisor for WMCX for the past 10 years. “I work very closely with Dr. Furgason as the Social Media Director of WMCX 88.9. I enjoy having him as an advisor and believe he will accomplish great things for the Communication Department,” said Trovamala.
Furgason described the future of WMCX and was enthusiastic about upcoming events such as College Radio Day on Oct. 2nd and Homecoming with Hawk TV on Oct. 24th.
Gould explained his hope for the future of the department. “I hope he continues to expand the department and keep the radio and television stations up to professional field levels because it gives every student a great learning experience before they enter the field.”
“As chair, I believe he should focus on student’s involvement in our clubs and organizations. The Communication Department gives us as students great opportunities to get real life experience in a college environment,” added Trovamala.
