Jann Joseph, Ph.D.
Finance & Investment Committee
2007-2008 HERS Leadership Institute Alumna (Wellesley)
President
Georgia Gwinnett College
Lawrenceville, Georgia
“As a graduate of HERS and now a board member, I understand fully the impact this organization has on higher ed leadership development. We are the facilitators and cultivators who create the culture where a diverse network of women can grow, thrive and lead.”
Dr. Jann L. Joseph has spent her career working to increase educational opportunities for students.
Joseph was born in Trinidad, West Indies, as the youngest of five siblings. Although neither parent completed elementary school, they valued the power of education to transform lives for generations. Her parents’ encouragement and sacrifices inspired Joseph to serve in higher education.
Joseph graduated from the University of the West Indies – St. Augustine with a bachelor’s of science in agriculture in 1984 and a master’s of philosophy in plant science in 1989. Her education career started in 1990 as a teacher of agricultural science in Trinidad and Tobago.
In 1998, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a doctorate in curriculum and instruction in science education. Her teaching, research and administrative experience included positions at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti and Indiana University – South Bend, where she served as Executive Vice Chancellor and Interim Chancellor.
In spring 2019, Joseph was named president of Georgia Gwinnett College.
Joseph’s professional affiliations include a variety of state and regional education-focused organizations, several of which she served in leadership capacities. Her record of community service is similarly hallmarked by leadership and volunteerism.
She currently serves as chair of the University System of Georgia Council on General Education. Joseph also serves on the boards of: Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education, Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Hispanic Chamber, Rainbow Village, Rowen Foundation and The Water Tower at Gwinnett.