Jax State’s New Graduate Studies Structure

10/03/2025

Jax State is restructuring its Graduate School into a new Graduate Studies model, with changes to better align enrollment management and academic processes.  

In Summer 2025, Jax State began transitioning towards a decentralized model for our Graduate School. However, the current contacts remain the same. Should you have questions or need assistance, please continue to contact the Graduate School staff that you currently consult. As a result of this decentralized model, we will be reverting to the umbrella title of Graduate Studies for our graduate programs. Webpages and communications are being updated to reflect this change.  

The decentralization aligns certain processes, people, and areas of expertise, so that we have enrollment management experts working together and curriculum and certification experts collaborating more closely. Under the new structure, which began September 1, the Office of Graduate Admissions is housed in Enrollment Management. Leading that unit is Ashlee Hanvey, Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment. Working in that office to recruit, admit, and enroll graduate and doctoral students are Katie Holcomb, Kelli Penny, and Fran Sanders.   

The former Graduate School staff who handled curriculum and certification moved to the Registrar's Office. As part of this re-structure, Julie Maddox was promoted to Assistant Registrar, Graduate. Graduate Studies Certification Officer LaRilda VanSandt also moved to the Registrar's Office, which hired Anna Jennings as another graduate Certification Specialist. We welcome Anna to JSU!  

Working closely with departments on the academic side of Graduate Studies is Dr. Andrea Porter, Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies. Assisting her will be a Director of Graduate and Accelerated Programs, a position currently advertised.   

Jax State is excited about embracing this new approach to Graduate Studies, as we continue to grow our academic options at the graduate level and increase our graduate student enrollment.