Libby V. Morris, a professor of higher education and graduate coordinator in the university’s Institute of Higher Education, has been named director of the institute effective Dec. 1.
Morris, whose appointment is subject to approval by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, will succeed Tom Dyer, who is retiring from UGA Dec. 1 after 31 years. He has been director of the Institute of Higher Education since 2003.
Morris has been a faculty member in the institute since 1985 and served as interim director in 2002-2003. Her appointment was announced by Del Dunn, vice president for instruction.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Dr. Morris’ knowledge and skills to lead the institute,” Dunn said. “She will be an excellent director.”
Morris joined the institute from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where she earned a Ph.D. in higher education. Her first assignment was directing an assessment of health professions needs in Georgia, and much of her subsequent research has focused on health education policy, poverty, educational development and educational needs assessment and evaluation.
She teaches courses in evaluation and assessment and is author or co-author of four books, 20 book chapters and more than 60 other publications. She has made more than 90 presentations at professional meetings, including annual meetings of the European Higher Education Society.
She also directs the Institute of Higher Education’s Faculty Development in Georgia program, which provides support for doctoral education to faculty members at colleges and universities across the state.