Jan Ivery is Named New Assistant Dean for Academic Programs

ATLANTA – Dr. Jan Ivery, an associate professor of social work, has joined the Dean’s Office in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies as assistant dean for academic programs.

In the new position, Dr. Ivery will coordinate and monitor the success of students in Andrew Young School degree programs, from recruitment and enrollment to graduation and into their careers.

Enrollment averages 2,100 annually in the Andrew Young School.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ivery as our new assistant dean,” said Dean Sally Wallace. “Her experience and interest in student success and program development enable the Andrew Young School to continue to be a leader in student support and engagement. I am thrilled that she accepted this position.”

In leading the college’s academic programs, Dr. Ivery’s duties range from orienting new faculty and part-time instructors on all teaching policies and procedures to working collaboratively across campus on university-level initiatives and interdisciplinary degree programs.

She will also work closely with the directors of the college’s Office of Academic Assistance and Career Services & Alumni Relations and will continue teaching in the School of Social Work.

“Dr. Ivery will take over some of the duties that have been performed so well by Dr. Cynthia Searcy for the past seven years, allowing Cynthia to provide the leadership and energy required to manage our new initiatives: supporting the Perimeter College Pipeline, creating more online courses and leading our new strategic priority to enhance the field of policy analytics,” said Dr. Wallace.

Dr. Ivery holds an M.S.W. from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She joined the School of Social Work at Georgia State University in 2004, where her research on collaborative partnerships and practice with various client populations compliments her teaching in courses on human development, case management, communication and cultural diversity, and field education.

“I am excited for this opportunity to work in the Dean’s Office to develop and implement initiatives that support student engagement, retention and career preparation,” said Dr. Ivery. “My experience teaching undergraduate and graduate students has provided me with a context for understanding some, but definitely not all, of the opportunities and challenges associated with navigating the university from admission to graduation. I look forward to working with the Dean’s Office to examine how we can continue to align our academic programs with broader trends in higher education and the demands of the labor market for our graduates.”