The Graduate School Announces New Leadership

LEXINGTON, Ky. – New Administrators for the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce and The Graduate School

Dean Padraic Kenney, Ph.D., has announced the appointments of Kristen H. Perry, Ph.D., as the new associate dean for administration and faculty affairs at the University of Kentucky Graduate School, and of Joseph Young, Ph.D., as the new director for the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce.

Kristen H. Perry, Associate Dean

In Perry’s new role as associate dean, she will be responsible for the streamlining of processes and procedures to improve service for The Graduate School’s graduate programs and students, support faculty in the Patterson School and the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, and work with all colleges and graduate programs to enhance new transdisciplinary master’s and doctoral programs.

Joseph Young, Director

Young, in his role as director, plans to prioritize listening to the Patterson community to inform his strategic planning. To do this, Young plans to form an advisory board composed of alumni, students, and key community members. Young emphasizes promoting the career aspirations of the Patterson students as his main priority.

Perry and Young’s Professional Backgrounds

Perry has been a professor of literacy education and has provided mentorship for graduate students for 17 years. Perry has served as department chair and was the department’s director of graduate studies. Perry’s research has focused on family and community literacy, particularly among immigrant and refugee communities.

Young is moving from American University where he held several leadership positions. Young served as a department chair before his most recent role as associate dean for research in the School of Public Affairs. Young plans to bring his extensive knowledge in research methods and intelligence to the classes he will teach at Patterson.

The Graduate and Patterson Schools

The University of Kentucky Graduate School provides training and resources for students’ careers including admissions, funding, stipends, housing, and professional development. The Patterson School offers an exceptional 18-month professional master’s degree program that prepares future leaders for rewarding careers in international affairs. The school’s professional master’s program offers concentrations in four areas including diplomacy, international commerce, international organizations and development, and international security and intelligence.

Looking Forward

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky continues to prepare the next generation of leaders, emphasizing education, research, and creative work, service and health care. In recent years, the university has been recognized as a top employer for new grads, showing a drive to advance Kentucky and create a welcoming community for everyone.