January 26, 2024

Columbus State University has named Dr. Margie Yates as the new dean of its College of Education & Health Professions. Yates has served in the role on an interim basis since July 2022 following the retirement of the college’s previous dean, Dr. Deirdre Greer.

As dean, Yates will lead the college, which numbers more than 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students — more than a quarter of the university’s overall student body — and more than 90 full-time faculty and staff. Collectively, the college’s Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, School of Nursing, and Department of Teacher Education, Leadership & Counseling prepare graduates for healthcare, teaching and professional roles in academic settings — just to name a few of the possible career paths. It also includes a variety of outreach programs, including the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, Columbus Regional Mathematics Collaborative, and the Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center.

“Dr. Margie Yates brings an impressive range of experience to this position, having served in positions connected to all three departments of the college,” said Dr. Pat McHenry, the university’s interim provost and executive vice president. “She also has a very strong presence in the community, and her approach to leading the college fits perfectly with Columbus State’s mission to serve the community and region. 

Yates, a Columbus State University graduate herself, has been on the university faculty since 2012 — first as an associate professor and director of Graduate Studies in the College of Education & Health Professions. Since then, she has undertaken more progressively senior academic and administrative roles in the college and throughout the university. She advanced to the rank of professor in 2018, was appointed as dean of Research and Graduate Studies in 2021, and since 2022, has served concurrently in that role and as the college's interim dean.

“As I step into this role, I am excited and optimistic about the countless opportunities ahead,” Yates said. “Investing in the development of outstanding educators and health professionals is vital for the well-being of our community and its economic development. I appreciate our faculty and staff's expertise, commitment, and unwavering support from the community in helping our students succeed. Together, we can make significant strides toward our community's bright and healthy future.”

Prior to her service at Columbus State, she served on the LaGrange College faculty for seven years, which included chairing the college’s Education Department.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Georgia and a master’s of education from Columbus State University, both in early childhood education and teaching. She earned a doctorate in curriculum and teaching from Auburn University.

For more information about the College of Education & Health Professions, visit the college’s website or go online to learn about its academic degrees and programs.

Media contact:
Michael Tullier, APR, Executive Director of Strategic Communication + Marketing, 706.507.8729, mtullier@columbusstate.edu