“The position involves advocacy for three groups I have been committed to for a long time: faculty, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars,” Cozzens said. “The special opportunity at this time is to create a new vision for graduate education, which is the projected growth area for the Institute.”

Cozzens comes from the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, where she is associate dean for research and faculty development, a professor in the School of Public Policy and director of the Technology Policy Assessment Center. She previously served as chair of the School of Public Policy, in various roles at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and as director of the National Science Foundation’s Office of Policy Support.

"Susan has been a strong advocate for faculty and graduate students throughout her career, and understands the issues, policies and opportunities related our students, faculty and postdoctoral researchers," said Rafael Bras, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "This experience will be invaluable in developing a focused approach that enables us to make the appropriate investments in these groups."

Cozzens will exit her role as associate dean and reduce her teaching workload but maintain advisement of doctoral students and current research involvement, including an NSF-supported endeavor focused on women in U.S. science policy.

“I am particularly looking forward to working with the great team in the Office of the Provost, who are full of vision and energy and are leading us towards a whole new Georgia Tech for the 21st century,” she said.

Among Cozzens’ new duties will be overseeing and coordinating faculty hiring and career progression, postdoc initiatives and career planning, and graduate student admission processes and policies — all with the goal of attracting and retaining the best faculty, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

Ray Vito, vice provost for graduate and undergraduate studies, has served as interim in the graduate education and faculty affairs role since December. Cozzens will officially take over June 1.