Jolynn Gardner is the Associate Dean of Academics, Assessment, and Curricular Innovation for the College of Graduate Health Studies at A.T. Still University (ATSU-CGHS). With over 25 years of experience in higher education, she leads the strategic evaluation of academic programs, ensuring that curricula are not only accreditation-ready but also responsive to contemporary public health challenges.

Dr. Gardner’s background is distinguished by a commitment to evaluating programs that serve marginalized communities. Her recent work includes a two-year evaluation of wraparound services for A Wider Circle, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals transition out of poverty. Additionally, she serves on the advisory board for the Makina Community Development Project in Nairobi, Kenya, where she provides programmatic guidance for a medical clinic and children’s home.

Prior to joining ATSU, Dr. Gardner served as Associate Chair of the Department of Health Studies at American University, where she directed the Public Health Program and integrated social justice frameworks into health education syllabi. Her research interests focus on health behavior change and the impact of stress, loss, and grief on health outcomes. By combining rigorous assessment strategies with a focus on community needs, Dr. Gardner provides the methodological expertise necessary to measure the success of complex, equity-driven health initiatives.