McIlvried named first dean of grad school
The University of Indianapolis appointed its first dean of the graduate school on Sept. 1. John McIlvried accepted the position and will function as dean while continuing in his capacity as associate provost. McIlvried previously has held the position of dean of the school of psychological sciences.
“I think his skill will translate extremely well into his new position,” said Tyronn Bell, associate professor in the school of psychological sciences.
Bell worked with McIlvried while he was dean of the school of psychological sciences prior to his new role.
John McIlvried advises two students while acting as dean of the school of psychological sciences. McIlvried recently left that position to become the first dean of the graduate school. Photo contributed by John McIlvried.
Jackie Hess, assistant professor in the school of psychological sciences, also spoke highly of McIlvried’s skill.
“He has just the right skill set for this job,” Hess said. “He can take many perspectives and ideas and make them work cohesively.”
The graduate school was officially formed in 2009, uniting all of the UIndy graduate degree programs, which were until then functioning as separate entities. According to McIlvried, although the different graduate units will still have independence, the formation of the graduate school and the creation of the dean’s position will act to simplify procedures and allow wisdom to be shared among all programs.
“We’ve streamlined some graduate program procedures. We now have an online grad application, so that all 10 programs won’t have to do applications separately,” McIlvried said.
Additionally, McIlvried was hopeful that all graduate programs could learn and grow together, through sharing the wisdom they have accrued separately over the years.
“Because the programs have grown up separately, they all have different knowledge to share with the combined group,” McIlvried said.
As dean of the graduate school, McIlvried also hopes to establish support systems for graduate students both through organized representation at the school and monetary support.
“Although its not a done deal, I would like to form a Graduate Student Council,” McIlvried said. “It would be student-driven and probably include interface with ISG[Indianapolis Student Government]. Graduate students need to have a voice on campus.”
Some of McIlvried’s goals for his new position include establishing a meeting with all units, to promote coexistence and cooperation and working out kinks in the online graduate application so that it functions effectively.
He also plans to provide leadership in regard to establishing new programs as well as strengthening alumni relations.
“Alumni are some of the best spokesmen for the school. They can create good will, and their accomplishments promote the programs to prospective students,” he said.
McIlvried would like to establish an alumni award of some kind as a step toward strengthening UIndy’s relationship with its graduate school alumni.
UIndy currently offers 27 masters degrees and five doctoral degrees, and McIlvried is optimistic about the graduate school’s continued growth and progress.
