Dr. Robert Baron named associate dean for APSU’s College of Arts and Letters

By: Grayson Nicholson April 9, 2026

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Austin Peay State University’s College of Arts & Letters has named Dr. Robert Baron as associate dean, starting Aug. 1.

Baron, a professor of communication and former department chair, has spent over a decade building programs and partnerships at Austin Peay. Since arriving in 2012, he has grown the university’s footprint in social and digital media and led the Department of Communication through COVID-era challenges.

In this new role, he will chair the college curriculum committee, coordinate assessment and accreditation, mentor department chairs, monitor enrollments, and build schedules. He will also oversee qualifications and onboarding for adjuncts and graduate teaching assistants in close collaboration with the Division of Academic Affairs.

“Rob brought cohesive, forward-looking leadership to the Department of Communication at a pivotal moment,” said Buzz Hoon, dean of the College of Arts & Letters. “He helped reframe the department so that all facets work together. His steady presence and calming approach helped reenergize the department and strengthen the college.”

A first‑generation college graduate, Baron earned his PhD in rhetoric, scientific and technical communication, Master of Arts in communication studies and Bachelor of Arts in political science and communication studies from the University of Minnesota. His scholarship explores how human communication and digital media intersect, with recent projects on social media engagement, artificial intelligence and video games. He is currently writing a book on the rhetoric of the Metal Gear Solid series. Before joining APSU, he spent 12 years coaching high school speech and debate.

Baron joined APSU in 2012 to develop new strengths in social media and digital communication. He became department chair in 2019 and directed accreditation transitions and program reviews, guided curriculum changes across all degree programs and coordinated scheduling on two campuses. He managed budgets and facilities for APSU-TV, WAPX-FM and the department’s mobile sports productions.

At the university level, he serves as liaison between the Chairs Council and Academic Affairs and contributes to committees focused on career success, academic standing and space allocation.

Dillon Walton and Rob Baron at the Communication Holiday Luncheon in 2025. | Photo by Jayla Willis

Outside of work, Baron is a self‑described “professional nerd” who plays video games and builds model robots. He and his wife, a teacher who has taught across the region, have one daughter and share their home with two corgis, Waylon and Penny, who enforce a strict walk schedule.

“My daughter likes to joke that I’ve spent the last seven years as a department chair ‘putting out fires and talking to people,’” Baron said. “I’m excited to talk with colleagues across the College of Arts & Letters and spend a little less time firefighting. I look forward to learning more about our many programs and working with students across the college to help them find their paths to success.”

About the College of Arts & Letters

The College of Arts & Letters at Austin Peay State University advances creative practice, critical inquiry and public engagement across the arts and humanities. The college is home to six departments: Art & Design, Communication, History & Philosophy, Languages & Literature, Music, and Theatre & Dance. With student-centered instruction and faculty excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, CoAL prepares graduates to think critically, communicate clearly and lead in their communities and professions. Learn more at apsu.edu/coal.