The University of Southern Indiana appoints new Interim Assistant Provost and new Dean of Students

Dr. Jason Hardgrave has been named the Interim Assistant Provost at the University of Southern Indiana. He will take the post on Tuesday, August 1.

In an article on the University of Southern Indiana’s website, Dr. Shelly Blunt, who serves as the Interim Provost, was quoted about Dr. Hardgrave’s appointment, saying, "I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Jason Hardgrave as Interim Assistant Provost. Dr. Hardgrave is a respected colleague with demonstrated leadership success and extensive experience with curriculum development and review, accreditation, assessment and advising. His student-centric, collaborative approach aligns with the mission of the University and will help strategically advance key initiatives and programs.” 

Dr. Hardgrave has worked at the University of Southern Indiana for almost two decades, serving most recently as the Chair for the History Department as well as an Associate Professor of History. As Chair of the History Department, he has helped students achieve success in their education as well as created promotional guidelines, a merit review rubric for the History Department, and various assessment procedures.

In addition to his work at USI, he also works with the Teacher Education Department to prepare students for their educational endeavors, develop curriculum standards, and support the accreditation and licensure processes. He also works closely with USI’s College Achievement Program, which prepares connections with local teachers to create dual credit opportunities for students.

Dr. Hardgrave has also served as Vice Chair and Chair of the Faculty Senate. There he took part in the Academic Program Review and worked as the Chair of the University Promotions Committee. He also contributed to many extracurriculars and committees at USI, such as the Faculty Advisor for the USI chapter of PHi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society, and the USI Fencing Club.

Academically, Dr. Hardgrave’s teaching expertise and research focuses on pre-modern Europe with a focus on gender, trade, and law. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from the University of Wyoming, and his doctorate in history from the University of Kansas.

In addition to Dr. Hardgrave, the University has also appointed Dr. Laurie Berry to the Dean of Students position as of July 21. Dr. Berry will report to the Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Khalilah Doss.

Dr. Doss spoke highly of Dr. Berry, saying, "Dr. Berry has made strides in student success during her 31 years at USI, and I know she will continue to tirelessly care for and maintain our campus community’s success and wellbeing. She is a passionate leader, and I am confident the University will feel the positive effects of her persistence in making sure active care of our students is priority.” 

The Dean of Students position sits on the Provost’s Council, as is also a part of the Student Affairs Directors Team. The role works as both leadership of and provides oversight to the Dean of Students Office, the University Health Center, and the Counseling Center. It also serves as a chair on the Campus Action Response and Engagement team as well as the Eagle Experience team. Dr. Doss will also serve as an advocate for students in the USI community, and be the primary advisor for the Student Government Association. 

Previously, Dr. Berry worked as the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Housing and Residence Life at USI, as well as a handful of other housing roles. During the span of her career, she has worked to innovate her workplace using techniques like collaborating with Institutional Analytics to assist with the contact tracing process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Berry was also instrumental in the expansion of the conduct software platform Maxient which supports the current CARE, admission reviews, Title IX process, academic integrity, and financial CARE processes on campus.

In her most previous advocacy role, she often met with students and worked with faculty to support those students’ education goals. She also serves as an advisor to students within the Title IX and academic integrity processes.

In the upcoming Fall 2023 semester, she will teach a doctoral course in the Doctor of Education program at USI on practice and policy in higher education. Her research is focused on studying the ways people support and connect with each other on social media. 

Dr. Berry earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature and her master’s in Student Personnel Services from Western Kentucky University. She then earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Indiana State University.

More information about the University of Southern Indiana can be found on the school’s website.