Amanda Damiano named Chair of Marist’s Communications Department

Dr. Amanda Damiano and student Christian Sarmiento '25 at the International Communication Association conference in Denver where they presented their research paper. Photo courtesy of Amanda Damiano

Amanda Damiano, an associate professor in the School of Communication and the Arts, has been named the new Chair of the Communications Department at Marist University, effective fall 2025. 

“The communication department at Marist is top-notch. It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to work hard in this role and ensure that the communication department at Marist remains strong, continues to grow, and always successfully prepares students for the workforce,” Damiano said. 

As the Communications Department enters a new phase, Damiano noted that the department faculty is committed to moving the department forward and is excited to develop a more innovative curriculum, which they are eager to implement in the near future. 

Damiano also acknowledged the ever-changing communication landscape due to the multitude of advances in technology. As the director of Marist’s Center for Social Media, Damiano is no stranger to technological advances and innovation. 

“Digital communication and AI are essential in today’s media landscape,” she explained. “As such, it is critical that we integrate these components into our coursework to better prepare students to work with these tools post-graduation.”

Damiano’s journey at Marist started in 2018 when she became an assistant professor. Since then, she has been teaching in classes in communication, public relations and the marketing communication graduate program. In the spring of 2019, she became director of Marist’s Center for Social Media, providing training to faculty and students in social media listening and analysis. 

In 2024, Damiano earned tenure and promotion to the associate professor level. 

“Communication is essential in all disciplines, so it is an important area to study, and it is also very interesting,” said Damiano. “I enjoy teaching students about communication so they can better prepare for careers in the field.”

However, Damiano’s experience in communications began far before she arrived at Marist. The professor got her bachelor’s degree in public relations and journalism from Utica College, a master’s in media studies from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and a Ph.D. in communication from the University at Buffalo.

“Throughout college, I worked in the public relations industry both in-house as well as in-agency,” she explained. “I have been teaching at the college level since 2010 and worked at five different institutions before coming to Marist.”

Damiano looks forward to continuing to work with students, faculty and staff across the department, as well as the School of Communication & the Arts and the university as a whole.

“A Marist education is priceless,” said Damiano. “Students know that. Professors know that. When we all work together, it is truly a win-win.”