Sullivan named dean of The Graduate School at Augusta University

Augusta University has named Dr. Jennifer Sullivan dean of The Graduate School, effective Dec. 1.

Sullivan has served as interim dean of the school since July 2020. Her appointment follows an extensive national search that yielded many strong and talented candidates. Augusta’s search committee was chaired by Dr. Tanya Sudia, dean of the College of Nursing.

“The search committee is confident in Jennifer’s experience and vision of graduate education and research excellence. She will undoubtedly help our university grow and achieve new heights,” said Sudia.

“I am delighted that Dr. Sullivan has agreed to become the new dean of The Graduate School,” said Dr. Neil MacKinnon, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Her important contributions to our graduate programs for many years will serve her well in her role. Her keen leadership helped the Graduate School thrive and graduate enrollment to increase despite the challenges of the pandemic.”

Currently, The Graduate School offers over 45 graduate degree and advanced certificate programs. The wide range of doctoral, specialist and master’s degree programs, as well as graduate certificate programs, provide outstanding training, research, clinical and educational opportunities for students.

“I am honored to be selected as dean of The Graduate School,” Sullivan said. “Together, we will continue to develop our research portfolio and grow our graduate enrollment.”

Sullivan, a professor in the Department of Physiology, joined the Medical College of Georgia in 2000. As a scientist, Sullivan’s laboratory focuses on better understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate blood pressure and renal health and function. In addition to directing her longstanding NIH- and AHA-funded cardiovascular pathophysiology research programs, she currently serves as The Graduate School’s first-year biomedical sciences PhD program director.

Sullivan has a PhD in cardiovascular pharmacology from Albany Medical College. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in vascular biology and physiology at the Medical College of Georgia and her undergraduate degree in biology from State University of New York at Genesco.

Sullivan is a well-regarded and celebrated scientist, having received the American Journal of Hypertension‘s John Laragh Research Award, Augusta University’s Faculty Senate Outstanding Faculty Award and the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Comparative and Integrative Physiology‘s Star Reviewer Award.