Dr. Thomas J. Vicino has been named the next dean of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, effective March 4.

Dr. Vicino currently serves as the associate dean of graduate studies in the College of Social Science and Humanities at Northeastern University in Boston, where he also is jointly appointed as professor in the Department of Political Science and the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs.

Since 2019, Dr. Vicino has served as associate dean of graduate studies, where he is responsible for leading and strategically managing a portfolio of more than 30 graduate programs across the social sciences, the humanities and the policy fields. He led the development and implementation of a holistic approach to graduate admissions that has significantly advanced the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“Dr. Vicino will be an essential part of the university’s leadership team,” said Dr. Nicolle Parsons-Pollard, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “His impressive record demonstrates that he will be invaluable to the university’s strategic vision.”

“I am excited and deeply honored to lead the Andrew Young School,” Dr. Vicino said. “I look forward to collaborating with the outstanding faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community in Atlanta and beyond to advance the mission of the school.”

In previous leadership roles at Northeastern, he served as chair of the Department of Political Science and as the director of the Master of Public Administration program. Dr. Vicino led the effort to achieve a seven-year reaccreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), earning numerous national commendations for the program’s faculty and staff support, learning flexibility, instructional support and experiential educational opportunities.

Prior to his appointment at Northeastern, he served on the faculty at Wheaton College in Norton, Mass., and previously in the School of Urban and Public Affairs at University of Texas at Arlington.

An internationally recognized scholar of urban affairs, Dr. Vicino specializes in the political economy of cities and suburbs, focusing on issues of metropolitan development, housing, and demographic analysis. He is the author or editor of five books and has also published numerous book chapters, essays, reviews, and research articles. He serves on various editorial boards including the Journal of Race, Ethnicity and the City and Urban Planning.

As the chief executive officer and chair of the Governing Board of the Urban Affairs Association, Dr. Vicino led the foremost international organization for urban scholars, researchers, and public service professionals. In 2014, he was a U.S. Fulbright Scholar to Brazil.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in communication studies and political science, cum laude, from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla., as well as a Master of Public Policy and Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Across his leadership roles and as an educator, Dr. Vicino has promoted a culture of inclusive excellence grounded in mutual respect and collaboration. He has been a dedicated mentor to many faculty and staff colleagues as well as students.

“I am inspired by the pillars of Georgia State’s strategic plan to leverage research and innovation to advance the public good and to support student success, careers, and placemaking and belonging,” he said. “By collaborating across the disciplines and emphasizing experiential learning for our students in the digital world, the Andrew Young School will prepare the next generation of leaders to confront the complex challenges of the 21st century.”