By Laurel White

Andrea Mason has been named the School of Education’s first associate dean for graduate education, a role dedicated to ensuring exceptional experiences for the School’s graduate students. 

In the new position, which was created by Dean Marcelle Haddix, Mason will serve as the administrative officer for the School of Education’s graduate programs, building and maintaining centralized support structures to help departments across the School support their graduate students. She will also provide leadership and vision on subjects including graduate student recruitment, mentoring and professional development, funding and fellowships, and special concerns for international students.

Mason says she’s looking forward to collaborating with colleagues across the School to grow and reinforce the graduate student experience at the No. 1-ranked School of Education. 

“I look forward to bringing together leaders in graduate education across all our programs to build a strong, connected community, where we learn from each other, co-create innovative solutions, and continually strengthen the excellence of our graduate programs,” Mason says. 

Mason, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology, has a track record of leadership in the School. She has been a faculty member in her department since 2002 and currently serves as department chair. 

“My background as a department chair, former director of graduate studies, and faculty leader has provided me with a strong foundation to support graduate programs, faculty, and students in the dynamic and complex academic environment we are currently facing,” she says. “My vision for graduate education is one in which rigorous academic standards, inclusive mentoring practices, and transparent, data-informed policies work together to support student success.”

Haddix says she looks forward to working with Mason, along with the rest of her leadership team, to build on the strong reputation of the School and adapt to meet the unique needs of graduate students in this moment. 

“Andrea’s depth of experience and strong relationships across our community will be a vital asset as we continue to grow and build on our School’s reputation for excellence in graduate education,” she says. “I’m so pleased to welcome her into this new position on my leadership team.”

Mason will begin her work in the new the role on Aug. 1.