Perimeter College names new dean

Nancy Kropf has been named dean of Perimeter College. CONTRIBUTED

Nancy Kropf has been named dean of Perimeter College. CONTRIBUTED

Nancy Kropf, dean of the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions for the past 3 ½ years, has been named dean of Perimeter College, beginning Feb. 1, according to a press release.

Kropf will succeed Peter Lyons, who is stepping down after a distinguished tenure as the first dean and vice provost for Perimeter College.

“With Dr. Lyons’ departure, President Mark Becker and I feel it’s important to continue to build on Perimeter College’s considerable momentum by appointing a new dean who has unique skills, experience and knowledge, and an understanding of the role, value and importance of a two-year college in a research-intensive university,” said Risa Palm, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “Instead of conducting a national search for new leadership, the president and I decided Dr. Kropf has the leadership qualities we need at Perimeter.”

Over the past dozen years at Georgia State, Kropf has taken on increasingly larger responsibilities. She joined the university in 2006 as a director and professor in the School of Social Work, then became an associate dean in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies in 2013. In 2015, then associate dean for research and strategic initiatives in the Andrew Young School, she was appointed dean of the Lewis College. In that role she has worked to effect the seamless integration of the nursing programs in Perimeter College and the Lewis College. Dr. Kropf has a Ph.D. in social work and social policy from Virginia Commonwealth University, a master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology from Hope (Mich.) College.

“Under dean Kropf’s leadership, the Lewis College has generated significant momentum by making major progress in student success, fundraising and faculty recruitment,” Palm said. “The college is strong and poised for still greater achievements.”

Huanbiao Mo will serve as interim dean of the Lewis College until a national search can be conducted. Mo is a tenured full professor who has served as chair of the Nutrition Department since July 2014.