Alumnus Named New Dean

Barry Joyner, Ph.D., is the new dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences (CHHS) following a nationwide search. He had served as interim dean of CHHS since 2012. In announcing his appointment, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Jean Bartels, Ph.D., expressed confidence that “Dr. Joyner is well prepared to take on the responsibilities of sustaining the accomplishments and traditional successes of CHHS while moving the College to its next level of academic distinction.”

“I am excited about the opportunity,” Joyner said. “The level of support from faculty and staff has been tremendous, and I am ready to start working together to plan for the future of the College.”

Joyner (‘85) brings an impressive record of service, both to Georgia Southern and to his discipline. He began his academic career at the University in 1992, when he accepted a teaching position in what is now the School of Health and Kinesiology. He has published more than 45 refereed articles and more than 25 abstracts, book chapters and book reviews, and has numerous teaching and service awards, including the 1997 Excellence in Teaching Award from the former College of Health and Professional Studies at Georgia Southern.