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ATLANTA — The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS) welcomed its eighth dean, Thomas J. Vicino, on March 4, 2024. Joining Georgia State University from Northeastern University, where he distinguished himself in numerous administrative roles, Vicino spent his first 100 days engaging the Andrew Young School community. His listening and learning have yielded a time of profound discovery and dynamic engagement, setting the stage for the transformative growth and innovation he describes in the QandA that follows.

What initially drew you to pursue the dean’s position at Georgia State and the Andrew Young School?

I was drawn to the dual commitments of student success and inclusive excellence — there is no other institution like Georgia State University. These are values that I hold deeply and work to put into action daily in my role as a leader and educator. I was very impressed during my engagement with faculty, staff and students about their passion for our distinctive mission. Atlanta, a dynamic global city, provides an exciting hub for experiential learning.

Above all, the Andrew Young School is one of the most innovative and most respected policy schools in the nation, home to many top-ranked programs. Our namesake, Ambassador Andrew Young, is a former ambassador to the United Nations and a champion of civil and human rights. His legacy as a diplomat, mayor, congressman, preacher, and civil and human rights leader can be felt not only here in Atlanta, but across the United States and all over the world. I was inspired to learn how all constituents of the Andrew Young School carry this important work forward.

What key things have you learned about AYSPS during your first 100 days?

Our greatest assets as a college are our people — the faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the Andrew Young School. Their dedication, talent and passion for public service and social impact are truly inspiring and form the backbone of our college’s strength and resilience.

What work have you focused on since joining the college?

I have been preparing the college for its next chapter as we strive to enhance our impact and reach. To this end, I have initiated three task forces:

Task Force on Research Innovation: To explore new avenues for research and scholarship that will address pressing societal issues.

Task Force on Strategic Growth: To develop strategies for sustainable growth and development, ensuring that we can meet the needs of our students and community.

Task Force on Organization Development and Community: To foster a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes collaboration and engagement across all levels of the college.

Additionally, I have focused on building a team of strategic leaders to help advance our goals. I have appointed Dr. Jan Ivery as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Leah Daigle as the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Dr. David Riber as the Associate Dean for Research. I am also focused on building support for interdisciplinary collaboration, marketing and communications, and experiential learning and career development.

What opportunities do you see for AYSPS?

The Andrew Young School has tremendous opportunities to expand its influence and impact through interdisciplinary research, community engagement and partnerships across the private, public and nonprofit sectors. By leveraging our strengths, we can become a leading voice in policy innovation and social change.

I have found great synergistic themes in our collective work, which is dedicated to developing leaders around the world; to creating inclusive economies for all; and to building safe, healthy and resilient communities. We have a great opportunity to broaden and deepen the scope of our work and tell our story to the world.

Are there any unique challenges the college must be prepared to address?

We must be prepared to confront the grand challenges of our day with compassion, empathy and justice. As Salman Khan discusses in his book “Brave New Words,” university leaders must practice “educated bravery” as we face the AI imperative. This revolution will disrupt the economy, society and politics in fundamental ways. Institutions of higher education need to lead through this transition, equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and shape the future. We are committed to preparing our students to meet these challenges head-on, fostering a culture of innovation, ethical leadership and social responsibility.

What strategies are you pursuing that will help guide AYSPS in advancing its opportunities while addressing these challenges?

We are developing comprehensive strategies that focus on enhancing our research capabilities, expanding our educational programs and strengthening our partnerships across the private, public and nonprofit sectors. By fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration, we can advance our mission and address the complex issues facing our society.

Whose help will be most important in pursuing the opportunities and addressing the challenges?

Success will require the collective efforts of our entire community.

Our students’ drive and curiosity are essential in pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. Our faculty and staff have deep expertise; their dedication provides the foundation for our educational and research excellence. Our alumni and friends provide support and advocacy that help to extend our reach and impact beyond the campus. And, finally, our partners are essential collaborators and resources that enable us to implement effective solutions to real-world problems

As they say, “it takes a village.” I am committed to bringing our community together to carry out this important work.

Describe how AYSPS’ mission aligns with Georgia State University’s strategic pillars — Research and Innovation, Student Success, College to Careers, and Identity and Placemaking. Do you see additional strategies AYSPS can pursue to fully realize gains in these areas?

The mission of the Andrew Young School is inherently aligned with Georgia State University’s strategic pillars. Our focus on interdisciplinary research drives innovation, our commitment to student success ensures that we prepare graduates for meaningful careers, and our emphasis on social justice and public service strengthens our identity and sense of place. To fully realize gains in these areas, we can pursue additional strategies such as enhancing experiential learning opportunities, fostering greater industry and community partnerships, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and inclusivity.

You have a young daughter. How do you hope your work at AYSPS will impact the world she and her friends inherit?

Children represent the future and the great potential to confront our grand challenges. I hope that our work across the Andrew Young School helps to inspire students — our future leaders, innovators and creators — to advance the public good and social justice for all communities. Indeed, our students are leading the way forward by example. They are driven to make a positive impact in the world, and I believe that through our collective efforts, we can create a better, more just and equitable world for future generations.