Keith Avin, a faculty member in the IU School of Health and Human Sciences in Indianapolis and an Indiana University alumnus, has been named IU Graduate School Indianapolis’ associate dean effective April 1.

Keith Avin. Photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University Avin’s work on the campus began over 10 years ago when he first served as a postdoctoral scholar in the Center for Translational Musculoskeletal Research with the School of Health and Human Sciences. His long-standing affiliation with the university helped him hone his skills in mentoring, teaching and curriculum development.

“Keith brings a great deal of depth to this position, given his experience in and outside of the classroom,” Graduate School Dean Janice Blum said. “We are positioned to explore new opportunities for graduate and professional students, and Keith has the right background and can-do attitude that will help us succeed.”

Avin’s primary responsibilities include:

• Reviewing academic programs and credential development.
• Impacting student progression and degree completion.
• Facilitating communication with and training of faculty and staff regarding Graduate School policies and best practices in graduate education.

“I’m looking forward to helping develop innovative graduate and professional programs on the Indianapolis, Columbus and Fort Wayne campuses, working closely with Graduate School staff to assess graduate student milestones and student progression to improve student retention and degree completion,” Avin said. “There is a lot of collaboration already occurring with our graduate programs, and I hope to build on that momentum.”

Avin also brings his passion for diversity and inclusion to his new role. He is currently enrolled in the IU School of Medicine’s Strategic Equity and Inclusion Leadership Program and completed “Speaking UP: How Bystanders Can Change the Conversation,” a Project EPIC and Office of Academic Affairs program.

Avin’s educational background includes both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Indiana University in 2006 and a Ph.D. from University of Iowa in 2012.

Jennifer Mahoney is communications and recruitment manager in the IU Graduate School Indianapolis.