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Jennifer Ellen French
Public Relations Manager
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
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ATLANTA — Jasmine Dearman (B.S.W. ’19, M.S.W. ’24) embodies the spirit of community engagement and personal growth that the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies strives to instill in its students. Now serving on the AYS Alumni Council, Dearman is leveraging her diverse experiences to give back to the institution that shaped her journey.
Dearman’s path to social work wasn’t straightforward. Growing up in a rural area, she first was drawn to Georgia State’s vibrant, diverse urban campus.
“It felt so alive,” Dearman recalled. “I was excited by the diversity of people and cultures.”
After exploring different majors, a conversation with counselors and her first social work class helped her find her calling.
“It fit me so perfectly and allowed me to bring all facets of myself together to help people, which is what I always wanted to do,” she said.
During her time at Georgia State University, Dearman immersed herself in research opportunities, securing three assistantships. Her work with Associate Professor Jan Ligon, then director of the B.S.W. program, on “The Pretty Problem” — a study on attractiveness bias — significantly influenced her approach to research.
Dearman’s academic journey didn’t stop with her bachelor’s degree. She completed her Master of Social Work degree in May 2024, further honing her skills and expanding her professional network with a focus on leadership, management and entrepreneurial roles. Colleen Perry, former director of career services and alumni relations, was also instrumental in Dearman’s success through direct mentorship, guiding her in securing internships and getting into Columbia University for graduate school.
Until recently, Dearman served as the community development manager at the National Society of High School Scholars, where she managed member engagement and provided leadership resources to students. She credits her graduate school experiences for her smooth transition into the workforce. She has since moved on from this role and now spends her time getting reconnected in Atlanta by volunteering with Georgia State’s WomenLead program alongside her role on the AYS Alumni Council.
“Community is revolutionary and can change your whole trajectory,” Dearman said.
This belief in the power of community drove her to join the AYS Alumni Council. She currently serves on both the Social and Civic Engagement and Marketing and Communications committees; positions she wants to leverage to make resources readily accessible to all students to allow them the opportunity to begin their path to self-discovery.
“I think it’s so important to give back to the people and institutions that pour into you. That’s what I want to do on the council — build relationships with alumni and students at Georgia State and demonstrate the collective power of community,” she said.
Reflecting on her time at the college, Dearman feels a sense of pride and responsibility.
"Being an alum of the Andrew Young School serves as a reminder that one person can do a lot, and one person in community with others can change the world. To be part of the kind of legacy of Andrew Young and to see incredible changemakers that were next to me in my classes makes me feel proud,” she said.
Dearman encourages current and incoming students to fully leverage the numerous opportunities available at Georgia State, including Study Abroad programs, the WomenLead program and the Panther Immersion Program, which she believes provide valuable practical learning experiences.
“Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable,” she said. “It encourages growth and changes the way you see and think about things.”
Dearman’s journey from a curious undergraduate to a committed professional and AYS Alumni Council member is a testament to the transformative power of education and community engagement that the college extends to its students and alumni.
Are you an alum of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies? To connect with alumni like Jasmine Dearman, learn more about how you can get involved with the AYS Alumni Council and stay updated on AYS news and opportunities, click here.
- By AYSPS Graduate Student Assistant Ayomidotun Olugbenle (M.A. in Political Science)