Mickelson appointed Assistant Dean of Data Analytics and Graduate Program Performance at ASU Graduate College

Kristin Mickelson, a distinguished social and health psychology scholar and professor of psychology in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, has been appointed Assistant Dean of Data Analytics and Graduate Program Performance at Arizona State University’s Graduate College.

In this role, Mickelson will oversee academic dismissals, serve as the Academic Integrity Officer for the Graduate College, design and implement analytics to evaluate degree program performance and represent graduate education across ASU and on a national level. She officially assumed her duties on November 18.

"Dr. Mickelson's breadth of interdisciplinary expertise and her demonstrated success in graduate program leadership make her an outstanding addition to the team," said Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate College, Elizabeth Wentz. "Her innovative approach to data analytics and emphasis on program performance will play a critical role in enhancing the academic journey for graduate students."

"Participating in the Peer Leadership Academy in 2021-22 inspired me to expand my leadership abilities and experiences," said Mickelson. "Having been in graduate leadership at the school level in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences for almost ten years, I was ready to take the next step and help advance graduate education more broadly at the Graduate College."

Mickelson joined ASU in 2014 and has since served as the Director of the master’s degree in psychology program and the Psychology Area Head within the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at New College. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in advancing several key initiatives, including successfully launching an online master’s degree in psychology and cultivating international academic partnerships through ASU's Global Academic Initiatives.

Her scholarly work is rooted in social and health psychology, integrating sociological and psychological perspectives to explore how stressors and psychosocial factors influence relationship dynamics and health outcomes. Specifically, Mickelson's research focuses on three primary areas: gender differences in risk and protective factors for postpartum distress among new parents; race/ethnic disparities in low birthweight, with a focus on discrimination and resilience; and the utilization of social media as a coping mechanism and source of social support.

Mickelson aims to leverage data analytics to support the Graduate College’s mission. “I hope to help the Graduate College through data analytics to understand how to further enhance and improve recruitment, retention and success for graduate students and their respective programs,” she said.

Mickelson has published extensively in top-tier journals, such as the “Journal of Marriage and Family,” the “Journal of Health and Social Behavior,” “Sex Roles, Social Science and Medicine”, and the “Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology.” Her work is widely cited for its contributions to understanding the intersection of social support, stress, and health.

Mickelson holds a PhD and MS in social psychology from Carnegie Mellon University, an MA in social sciences from the University of Chicago, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wheaton College. Before her time at ASU, she was an assistant and associate professor in the Departments of Psychology and Sociology at Kent State University.

The Graduate College is excited to welcome her to this pivotal role. In it, she will leverage her expertise to drive data-driven improvements and continue elevating the quality and integrity of graduate education.