Dr. Mandy Jarriel Named Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Director of The Graduate School

Dr. Mandy Jarriel Named Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Director of The Graduate School

Georgia College & State University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mandy Jarriel as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Director of The Graduate School, effective October 1, 2026. Following an extensive period of exceptional service in the interim role since August 2024, Dr. Jarriel has demonstrated visionary leadership, strategic insight and an unwavering commitment to advancing the university's academic mission.

Over the past two years, Dr. Jarriel has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Academic Affairs. Her leadership has spanned a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including faculty affairs, leadership of the university curriculum governance and academic policy processes, graduate policy administration, program review, academic grievances and appeals, strategic planning and supervision of multiple Academic Affairs units. Through these efforts, she has consistently fostered collaboration, innovation and academic excellence across the institution.

Prior to joining the Provost's Office, Dr. Jarriel served in leadership roles within the School of Health and Human Performance and is a tenured full professor of Athletic Training. Her career reflects a deep commitment to student success, faculty development and institutional advancement.

"Dr. Jarriel has been an extraordinary asset to the Provost's Office and to Georgia College over the past two years," said Dr. Holley Roberts, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "Her strategic leadership, collaborative approach and steadfast dedication have strengthened critical areas across the university. Dr. Jarriel co-led the realignment of Graduate Admissions, supported the development and successful approval of the Master of Science in AI Strategy, and chaired the university's Graduate Education Task Force, guiding recommendations designed to enhance graduate enrollment and position our programs for long-term success. She also co-led the Strategic Planning Steering Committee and played an instrumental role in the adoption of our revised university mission statement. Her impact has been profound, and I am confident that her leadership will continue to elevate Georgia College in meaningful and lasting ways."

As associate provost and director of The Graduate School, Dr. Jarriel will continue to oversee graduate education and provide leadership for key support units, including Grants & Sponsored Projects, the Center for Teaching & Learning, the Flannery O'Connor Institute for the Humanities, The Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy, and the GCSU Montessori Academy at the Early Learning Center.

"Georgia College is well positioned for continued growth, innovation and impact, and I am honored to serve alongside the Academic Affairs team as we help lead this next chapter for the institution," Jarriel said. "By creating and expanding opportunities for faculty, staff and students to excel, we will build on our strong momentum while remaining grounded in collaboration, innovation, service and academic excellence that define our community. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this work and to partner with colleagues across campus as we strengthen our institution, enrich our communities and create lasting impact throughout our state."

Dr. Jarriel earned her Ph.D. from the University of Georgia and both her Master of Education and Bachelor of Science degrees from Georgia College & State University.

This appointment reflects Georgia College's strong confidence in Dr. Jarriel's leadership and recognizes her sustained contributions to the university's academic excellence, strategic growth and commitment to student success. As she assumes this permanent role, the university looks forward to the continued advancement of graduate education and academic innovation under her guidance.