Graduate Research and Education Advisory Council

The purpose of the Graduate Research and Education Advisory Council is to support and foster the achievement of excellence in all aspects of graduate studies and research at the University. The Council will achieve this through the following initiatives:

  • Advising and supporting the Dean of the Graduate School
  • Assisting in developing beneficial relationships with industry, government and other academic institutions
  • Reviewing and supporting the School's strategic plans
  • Reporting to the Chancellor and Provost on the status and opportunities related to graduate education and research

Council members have all demonstrated professional achievements in fields of importance to graduate education and research, and contribute to the balance of the Council's breadth and diversity.

2024-2025 Members of the Council

  • John Hindle (BA '68, PhD '81)

    GRE Advisory Council Chair

    Founding Partner
    Knowledge Capital Partners

    • Nashville, TN
  • Thomas (Tom) Doub (MS '94, PhD '01)

    Assistant Professor, Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy
    Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    • Nashville, TN
  • Kirk Elifson (MA '68, PhD '73)

    Professor Emeritus, Rollins School of Public Health
    Emory University

    • Atlanta, GA
  • David Hobbs (PhD '79)

    Washington Savannah River Company
    Retired

    • Nashville, TN
  • Donna Hobbs (PhD '80)

    Augusta State University
    Retired

    • Nashville, TN
  • Barbara J. Johnson (PhD '99)

    Dean, Perimeter College
    Georgia State University

    • Atlanta, GA
  • Lawrence (Larry) Kerr (PhD '90)

    Deputy Vice President, Global Health and Multilateral Affairs
    PhRMA

    • Washington, DC
  • Tan Lu (PhD '08)

    Partner
    Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

    • Houston, TX
  • Suzanne T. Ortega (MA '76, PhD '79)

    President
    Council of Graduate Schools

    • Washington, D.C.
  • Mateo Perezrodriguez (MA '11)

    Strategy and Operations Adviser

    • Miami, FL
  • Martin (Marty) Singer (MA '75, PhD '77)

    President
    Seller-Lehrer Family Foundation

    • Northbrook, IL