UGA McBee Institute of Higher Education

Congratulations to Kayla McKinney, M.Ed. 2022, on being a recipient of the 2026 Advisor of the Year Award from the University of Georgia's Department of Engagement, Leadership, and Service (ELS).

The award honors an advisor of a student organization who goes above and beyond to support the organization’s student leadership. In her role as the coordinator of student engagement for the Mary France Early College of Education, McKinney advises the College’s Student Ambassador program, supports student organizations within the College, and runs events and programs geared toward students.

Read more here: https://coe.uga.edu/news/2026-04-student-engagement-coordinator-awarded-2026-advisor-of-the-year/

Join us in celebrating Dr. Carlie Cooper, who successfully defended her PhD dissertation earlier today! Congratulations, Carlie!

Pay Equity for Faculty and Staff in Academia: How to Assess and Correct Inequities, authored by Professor Robert K. Toutkoushian, was recently published by Springer Nature.

In the book, Toutkoushian provides a comprehensive examination of how colleges and universities can assess and address compensation disparities among employees.

Read more about Dr. Toutkoushian's book here: https://ihe.uga.edu/news/stories/2026/toutkoushian-examines-pay-equity-faculty-and-staff-new-book

Jansen Rouillard, a current McBee doctoral student, serves as the New Student Orientation director at the University of Georgia, helping ensure that the university’s newest students have everything they need to begin their academic journey.

Rouillard was recently featured in UGA Today for his work supporting incoming students and setting them up for success.

Read the full story: https://news.uga.edu/new-student-orientation-director-sets-new-classes-up-for-success/

Congratulations to Ricky Kirby, PhD 2025, on recently being named the new Vice President for Student Experience at Culver-Stockton College!

In this role, he will oversee areas focused on student engagement, student success, and the overall student experience at the College.

Over spring break, Dr. Meseret Hailu, assistant professor at the McBee Institute, served as the faculty lead for a short-term study abroad program and course in Morocco for UGA first-year undergraduate students. This course, offered through the Connect Abroad program in the Office of Experiential Learning, focused on the concept of innovation in higher education.

Dr. Hailu, alongside a team of UGA staff, led 29 undergraduate students across Morocco to site visits in Marrakech, the Agafay desert, Meknes, Rabat, Casablanca, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis. As a class, they explored how the broader social, political, and historical contexts of Morocco set the stage for the country's higher education development.

Read more about this transformative journey in UGA’s Beyond the Arch story: https://stories.uga.edu/connect-abroad-morocco/

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Julie Posselt as the Louise McBee Distinguished Professor of Higher Education, effective January 1, 2027.

A leading voice in graduate education, STEM fields, and disciplinary societies, Dr. Posselt's strong commitment to improve higher education policy and practice research honors the legacy of Dr. Louise McBee. Her scholarly expertise and her commitment to teaching and service will make her a valuable addition to McBee Institute.

Welcome, Dr. Posselt!

Read the official announcement here: https://ihe.uga.edu/news/stories/2026/julie-posselt-named-louise-mcbee-distinguished-professor-higher-education

Yesterday, the Louise McBee Institute of Higher Education celebrated the graduation of our Ph.D. and M.Ed. graduates from the spring semester! Please join us in congratulating our newest graduates: Dr. Biljana Birač, Dr. Matthew Gregory, Dr. Rod Guajardo, Dr. Will Richardson, and Minyoung Shin!

McBee faculty and staff, along with our graduates and their families and friends were invited to a special celebration in Meigs Hall. During the event, each graduate heard special remarks given by their major professor on their individual academic and professional journey and received a meaningful gift from the Institute.

Congratulations to Justin Jeffrey, PhD 2021, on his recent promotion to Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at Texas A&M University, and also joining the NASPA Foundation Board of Directors!

Congratulations to Hunter Jones, third-year doctoral student, who recently participated in the NYU Steinhardt School of Cultural, Education, and Human Development's Faculty First-Look Program.

This week‑long program supports emerging scholars preparing for faculty positions and academically adjacent careers. Participants gain insight into the faculty application, interview, and selection process while developing key skills for navigating the academic job market.