Catherine Staub has served as Dean of Drake University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication since July 2022. A longtime member of the Drake community, Dean Staub brings a distinguished background in journalism, media leadership, and higher education to her role. She combines professional industry experience with a strong commitment to student learning, faculty excellence, and the evolving role of media in society.

Before joining Drake's administrative leadership, Dean Staub built a robust career spanning publishing, financial services, and entrepreneurship. She worked as an associate editor for Meredith Corporation and as a learning and development manager and communications consultant for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. She is the founder and CEO of Lexicon Content Marketing, a Des Moines-based communications and brand media firm.

Dean Staub is an active leader in both professional and civic communities. She has served as a judge for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) Ellie Awards and as past head of the AEJMC Magazine Division. She is a member of ASME and the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC). In the Des Moines community, she is a past president of the Rotary Club of Des Moines and has held board or leadership roles with the YMCA Y Camp Board of Managers, the East Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the United Way of Central Iowa Strategic Communications Cabinet. She is also a certified USA Swimming Official.

Dean Staub completed all four of her degrees at Drake University and is a graduate of the SBA Emerging 200 Executive Program.

Areas of Expertise

Journalism
Media Leadership
Brand Communications
Higher Education Administration

Education

• BA in Education and English, Drake University
• MA in Journalism and Mass Communication, Drake University
• EdS in Education, Drake University
• EdD Educational Leadership, Drake University
• Graduate of the SBA Emerging 200 Executive Program

Professional Experience

• School of Journalism & Mass Communication Dean since 2022
• Founder and CEO, Lexicon Content Marketing
• Learning & Development Manager and Communications Consultant, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
• Associate Editor, Meredith Corporation

Significant Accomplishments

• Judge, American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) Ellie Awards
• Head, AEJMC Magazine Division
• President, Rotary Club of Des Moines