John S. Nichols
Director, Arthur W. Page Center
814 865-3070 

John S. Nichols, professor of communications and associate dean for graduate studies and research, has been teaching international communications at Penn State since he joined the faculty in 1977. He has conducted research on Cuban communications issues for nearly three decades. His current research focuses on international propaganda, the right to travel, and the role of media in conflict. Nichols is the co-author or contributing author of three books that have received the Choice "Outstanding Academic Book" award and is the author of numerous other publications in international communications and foreign affairs. He is a past chair of the University Faculty Senate and, in 1999, won Penn State's "Most Innovative Teacher" award. His Ph.D. is from the University of Minnesota.

Cinda Kostyak:
Director of Research Administration
814 863-6307

Cinda Kostyak, director of graduate, curriculum and research administration, joined the College of Communications undergraduate advising staff in 1989. She became Director of Academic Services before moving into her current position. She is a Public Scholar Associate who earned a Masters degree in Counselor Education in 1989 and is an active community volunteer.

Regina McNamara:
Page Legacy Graduate Assistant

Gigi McNamara, a second year doctoral student in the College’s Mass Communications program, earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Duquesne University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Penn State University. Gigi is currently researching techniques on the art of the oral history and will conduct several interviews with senior corporate communication executives during the 2005/2006 academic year.