The UNLV Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost announced today that Robert Ulmer will become the next dean of the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, effective July 1, 2014.

Ulmer is currently professor and chair of the Department of Speech Communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and he holds two secondary appointments with the College of Public Health at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences.

"Rob brings with him to UNLV an impressive background of research experience, leadership and community engagement that fit in perfectly with the goals of the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs," said John Valery White, UNLV executive vice president and provost.

A recognized expert in the field of risk management and crisis communications, Ulmer has co-authored six books and dozens of peer-reviewed articles on effective management and organizational response during times of crisis. With published work on crisis response to natural and human-caused disasters - including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and regional public health issues - he is often sought after as a consultant and speaker in national and international forums.

"I am thrilled to join the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs and its outstanding and engaged faculty, staff, students, and community partners," said Ulmer. "It is an exciting time for the college as we work together to expand knowledge, develop innovative practice, and contribute to urban growth and development as UNLV seeks top-tier status."

Ulmer joined the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1998 and has served as chair of the Department of Speech Communication since 2004. His work with the College of Public Health at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences includes co-directing communications on a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant addressing obesity health issues in one of the poorest areas of Arkansas and the U.S.

Ulmer earned a Ph.D. in communication from Wayne State University, an M.A. in speech communication from North Dakota State, and a B.A. from the University of Saskatchewan.