Associate Dean of Student Services, Academic Affairs, Accreditation and Pedagogy
The Office of the Associate Dean for Student Services, Academic Affairs, Accreditation, and Pedagogy supports the academic mission of CEPS by advancing student success, instructional excellence, and continuous program improvement across the College.
The Associate Dean works closely with academic departments, program faculty, and external partners to facilitate curriculum development, faculty support, accreditation compliance, and evidence-based pedagogical practices. This office plays a central role in coordinating undergraduate academic processes, supporting accreditation and assessment efforts, and strengthening systems that promote student engagement, persistence, and success.
Our Mission
The mission of the Office of the Associate Dean is to foster a student-centered academic environment that supports professional preparation, instructional quality, and continuous improvement.
This mission is accomplished through collaborative leadership in:
- Student success initiatives and academic support
- Undergraduate curriculum development and review
- Accreditation and assessment processes
- Faculty collaboration and academic affairs
- Pedagogical innovation and professional development
The office works in partnership with CEPS departments to ensure programs meet the highest standards of excellence while preparing graduates to lead, serve, and make meaningful contributions in education, health, and professional fields.
Guided by the University’s core values, the Office of the Associate Dean is committed to advancing teaching, learning, and professional preparation across the College of Education and Professional Studies.
Dr. Charity Leigh Bryan serves as Associate Dean of Student Services, Academic Affairs, Accreditation, and Pedagogy in the College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) and is Professor in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport.
Dr. Bryan provides strategic leadership across student success initiatives, undergraduate academic affairs, accreditation, and instructional quality. She works collaboratively with the Dean, department chairs, program coordinators, faculty, staff, and external partners to strengthen academic programs, advance student-centered teaching practices, and support CEPS students from recruitment through graduation.
Her scholarly work focuses on children’s physical activity, innovative and blended online learning models, and professional education. Dr. Bryan has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and delivered more than 150 presentations at international, national, regional, and state conferences.
Prior to joining the University of South Alabama, Dr. Bryan served as Professor and Department Head of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Southeastern Louisiana University, where she also held the B.C. Purcell Endowed Professorship in Kinesiology. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Samford University, her master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University.
Dr. Bryan’s professional leadership has been recognized with multiple state, regional, and national honors, including the Southern Tier’s highest award from the National Academy of Health and Physical Literacy, the Donna L. Dunaway Medal. She is deeply committed to collaborative leadership, student-centered learning, and building systems that promote engagement, wellness, and professional success.
Contact Information
Charity Bryan, PhD
Associate Dean of Student Services, Academic Affairs, Accreditation and Pedagogy
Professor, Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport
College of Education and Professional Studies
Suite 3612
(251) 380-2734
charity.bryan@southalabama.edu