New Leadership Selected for Graduate School

The University of Alabama has named Andre Denham as its next associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. The appointment marks an important leadership transition for the university as it prepares for the retirement of current Graduate School Dean Susan Carvalho, who has led the school since 2016.

Extensive Experience at the University

Denham is already kind of a familiar figure around the university community. Right now he serves as associate dean for Graduate Academic Affairs, and he has been involved in helping out with graduate education initiatives across campus. his background, it really is built from working directly with graduate students, faculty, and the academic programs themselves which is what made him such a strong choice for the leadership role.

Building on a Period of Growth

The appointment comes after a decade of pretty significant growth in the Graduate School, under Carvalho’s leadership but honestly it feels like more than that sometimes. Since joining the university in 2016, Carvalho has been overseeing efforts to expand graduate education, boost international engagement, and generally improve the overall experience for graduate students. During her time in that role, graduate enrollment increased quite a lot, and this is what really helped the university reach record enrollment levels, which is not small.

University leaders started a national search earlier in 2026 to find a successor who can keep advancing graduate education and also support the university’s growing research mission. The role comes with heavy responsibility, shaping where graduate programs go next, increasing doctoral enrollment and making sure graduate students get strong academic as well as professional support.

Focus on Future Graduate Education

As associate provost and dean, Denham will help guide the Graduate School through its next phase of development, really you can say a turning point. His responsibilities will include working with academic departments, supporting graduate student success, and helping the university meet the growing demand for advanced research and workforce development, too.

University officials expressed confidence that Denham’s experience and understanding of graduate education will help maintain momentum while introducing new chances for innovation, and growth. His leadership is expected to play a key role in strengthening graduate programs, and also in expanding research opportunities across the institution.

Looking Ahead

The leadership transition seems to mirror the university’s dedication to keep a solid graduate education ecosystem. As Carvalho gets ready to retire after years of service, Denham is set, to take on the responsibility for leading the Graduate School and help it keep growing in the years ahead.