Athens, Ga. – Erin L. Richman, currently executive director of institutional innovation at Florida State College at Jacksonville, has been named the new director of academic partnerships and initiatives at the University of Georgia’s Division of Student Affairs.
“Dr. Richman will lead our efforts to organize and support collaboration among administrators, faculty, staff and students,” said Victor K. Wilson, vice president for student affairs. “These partnerships are essential to provide each student with the best holistic learning experience possible.”
Academic Partnerships and Initiatives is a department within the Division of Student Affairs that aims to bridge the learning experiences in Student Affairs to the coursework, research and educational programs offered across campus.
In the two years since its creation, Academic Partnerships and Initiatives has implemented programs designed to ease the transition to college for transfer and first-generation students.
Richman understands that collaboration between Student Affairs and other areas of campus may be a new concept for some, but she embraces the challenge.
“I enjoy helping others navigate unfamiliar terrain, while still building excitement and consensus,” Richman said. “Moving the needle requires collaborative leadership paired with clear, effective communication.”
A “Double Dawg,” Richman earned both her M.S. and Ph.D. in psychology from UGA, including a graduate certificate in women’s studies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, with honors, from the University of Central Florida.
“I’m thrilled to return to UGA to enhance relationships for student affairs and promote academic partnerships across the university,” Richman said.
She has previously served on the faculty in the psychology departments of the University of Georgia, Agnes Scott College, the University of North Florida and Florida State College. At UGA, she will hold an adjunct faculty appointment in psychology and serve as affiliate faculty member in women’s studies, among other appointments.
UGA Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs comprises 19 campus departments that enhance the learning environment for students at the University of Georgia by stimulating the learning process, integrating the in-class and out-of-class experiences, promoting an environment conducive to growth and discovery and facilitating intellectual, spiritual, social, occupational, physical, cultural and emotional development. For more information, see studentaffairs.uga.edu.