John Caron named associate dean of JHU's Advanced Academic Programs

John Caron has been named associate dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences Advanced Academic Programs, effective Jan. 1, 2017.

Image caption: John Caron

Caron comes to Johns Hopkins from Northeastern University in Boston, where for the past six years he has been the senior associate dean of academic and faculty affairs for the College of Professional Studies. He earned his doctorate of education from the University of Pennsylvania. His research interests include strategic management in higher education and international education.

"I am excited to join the AAP at this thrilling moment in time," Caron said. "Mission and quality are important to me. At the same time, working closely with faculty to develop innovative programs that leverage Johns Hopkins' commitment to excellence excites me. What impressed me most are the people who make up AAP. I am looking forward to joining a great team, building a strong sense of community, and leading AAP to new levels of distinction."

During his time at Northeastern, Caron worked collaboratively with faculty to expand the outreach of academic programs; develop and launch multiple new programs each year; expand the ranks of full-time faculty from 20 to 80; and develop a robust professional development program for full- and part-time faculty. Caron also served as the interim chair for the Department of Education in the Graduate School of Education at Northeastern.

Before his time at Northeastern, Caron worked at Brown University as associate dean of the School of Professional Studies. He has also worked at Bennington College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and the University of Connecticut at Storrs. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses and has chaired dissertation committees.

Caron's appointment will follow the retirement of Kathleen Burke—the current associate dean—at the end of 2016.

"With his broad experience in higher education and professional studies, John is uniquely qualified to build on the notable work that Kathleen has done and to take our Advanced Academic Programs to their next level of excellence," says Beverly Wendland, dean of the Krieger School. "I am grateful to Kathleen for the experience, innovation, and strategic growth she has brought to the AAP, and I am confident that John will continue that path of distinction."

Advanced Academic Programs has offered graduate degrees geared for working adults for more than 24 years, and it offers part-time and full-time degree and certificate programs in disciplines such as applied economics, biotechnology, communication, environmental studies, film, and government. In addition to offering flexible classes and online programs, AAP offers in-person classes in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Montgomery County.