Lori N. Doyle, vice president for external affairs of the American Water Works Company, Inc. in Voorhees, N.J., returned to the University today as director of communications, Penn President Judith Rodin announced.

Doyle, who served eight years as chief public affairs officer for the Health System until last year, will oversee the University’s internal and external communications operations and serve as a key advisor to the president and other senior officers of the University, sharing with the wider world the many contributions Penn’s faculty, students and staff make to higher education, research and society.

“Lori is a superb communications professional who has extensive knowledge of the University and broad experience in all aspects of internal and external communications,” Rodin said.

SEAS associate dean

Norman Badler, Ph.D., was appointed associate dean for academic affairs for the School of Engineering and Applied Science, effective Jan. 1. Badler, professor of computer and information science, is the originator of the Jack software system which controls a 3-D, detailed human model with realistic behavior. Jack has a variety of commercial and research uses such as testing combat simulation design and product design.

As associate dean, Badler will oversee all undergraduate and graduate education programs in SEAS, including admissions, student support services, international exchange programs, interdisciplinary programs with other schools in the University, and stewardship of undergraduate accreditation requirements.