Armstrong Atlantic State University recently promoted Yvette Upton to associate vice president and dean of students. In her new position, she will be responsible for providing initiatives and support services to promote student engagement and encourage transformative learning experiences at Armstrong.

Upton joined Armstrong as the interim assistant vice president for student affairs in 2012. Originally from Atlanta, she has 20 years of higher education experience within the University System of Georgia.

She previously served as marketing and promotions manager at Georgia State University and as founding director of the Women’s Resource Center and assistant dean of students at Georgia Tech. Additionally, she partnered with Armstrong to support the joint Engineering Alliance Program through her role as director of outreach and student affairs at the Georgia Tech-Savannah campus.

“I’m passionate about building inclusive communities, ensuring policies and practices are effective and fair, and enhancing resources and programs that create positive and empowering experiences for all students,” she said. “I look forward to working closely with students, faculty and administrators to support student success at Armstrong.”

Upton earned a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in women’s studies from Georgia State University in Atlanta. She is currently completing her Ed.D. in higher education management from the Institute of Higher Education at the University of Georgia, with an anticipated completion date of May 2014.