Rachel Abbott, Ph.D., has been appointed interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) effective Feb. 1.

Abbott currently serves as the dean of GSW’s College of Education, a position she has held for 11 years, and will continue in that capacity during this interim period.

“Dr. Abbott brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education to this position,” said GSW President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D. “I am confident she will provide the kind of supportive, dedicated leadership needed to sustain and accelerate progress in Academic Affairs.” 

Abbott earned her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Alabama, Master of Education from Georgia Southern University, Master of Science from Florida State University, and Bachelor of Science from Longwood College.

“I am honored to serve as Interim Provost at GSW, which has been instrumental in shaping my professional development over the past 16 years,” said Abbott. “I am grateful to Dr. Johnston for the confidence she has placed in me to lead the academic operations at GSW, and I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, and students.” 

Abbott has an extensive record of scholarship and service. She has been published in the American Journal of Health Studies, presented at conferences nationwide, and secured more than $25,000 in grants for GSW’s College of Education. Abbott also serves on various boards, chairs the University 1000 Committee, co-leads the Advising Task Force, and has participated in numerous university search and academic committees.

The national search for GSW’s next provost and vice president for Academic Affairs will be chaired by Gaynor Cheokas, Ph.D., dean of the College of Business and Computing. The search follows the departure of Jill Drake, Ed.D., who served in the role for almost two years before being named provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Clayton State University.