Jan Barham named associate vice president for student affairs 

Jan Barham, currently associate dean of students at the University of Georgia, has been named associate vice president for student affairs. The newly created position within the Division of Student Affairs plays a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless transition for incoming students and fostering a supportive community for their families.  

As associate vice president, Barham will directly supervise three departments, including Student Transitions, New Student Orientation, and a newly created department for Parent and Family Engagement. Additionally, she will continue to play a critical role in promoting and implementing UGA’s Policy on Freedom of Expression and Assembly, as well as lead the Let All the Big Dawgs Eat Food Scholarship Initiative. She will report directly to Vice President for Student Affairs Michelle G. Cook and serve as a member of the senior administrative council and leadership team for the Division of Student Affairs.  

“Universities today must offer a seamless experience for students from admission through graduation and beyond, while also thoughtfully engaging and informing parents and families,” says Cook. “Dr. Barham, with her decades of experience, research expertise, and extensive service within UGA Student Affairs, is exceptionally well-qualified to elevate UGA to new heights in these areas.” 

Barham said that supporting students as they navigate the numerous programs, resources, and potential pathways through college is the next great opportunity for the university to build on its excellent reputation for student success. 

“Thanks to existing efforts by administration, faculty, and staff, UGA already provides an opportunity to experience the best learning environment in the country,” said Barham. “By formally connecting these efforts to intentionally support student navigation and family engagement, students and their families will be better able to access all the benefits of a University of Georgia education.” 

Barham’s appointment is effective July 1. 

She previously worked in the residence life departments of Appalachian State University, the University of Tennessee, and Wake Forest University before coming to UGA as a doctoral intern in University Housing. Since then, she has served the university as director of assessment and staff development for the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and most recently as associate dean of students.  

Across two decades at UGA, Barham has overseen an array of units, including: the Tate Student Center; Engagement, Leadership, and Service; Student Transitions; Campus Reservations, Events & Technical Services; the UGA Card Office; Tate Print & Copy; the African American Cultural Center; International Student Life; Student Affairs Marketing and Communications; the Dean of Students Business Office; Student Affairs Information Technology; and Academic Scheduling. Additionally, she has been a member of the Behavioral Assessment Response Council (BARC), supported the university’s Freedom of Expression Policy, created and administered the Let All the Big Dawgs Eat Food Scholarship, and co-advised the Student Government Association. 

In addition to her roles at UGA, Barham has also served on the executive board and as historian for Region 3 of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. A graduate faculty member of the University of Georgia, she has published several book chapters, edited book journals, refereed journal articles, and has taught courses at the doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate levels. She has served on the doctoral research committees of 22 successful candidates.  

Barham is an alumna of the University of Georgia, where she earned her Doctor of Philosophy in student affairs administration. She also holds a Master of Arts in human development and psychological counseling – student development from Appalachian State University and a Bachelor of Arts in communication sciences from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. 

Writer: Stan Jackson, 706-542-1793, ugastan@uga.edu  

Contact: Michelle G. Cook, 706-542-3564, askstudentaffairs@uga.edu