Christina Downey, Ph.D
As the associate vice chancellor for undergraduate education and dean of University College, Christina Downey collaborates with academic units across all disciplines to advance student success, improve retention and graduation rates, and reduce equity gaps. She leads the Division of Undergraduate Education and its key units: University College, Honors College, and Institute for Engaged Learning, in delivering high-quality learning experiences and support programs to undergraduate students.
Downey began her role with IU Indianapolis (called IUPUI at the time) in February 2023. Previously, Downey held academic and administrative appointments at IU Kokomo, where she most recently served as the interim executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and professor of psychology. Her tenure at IU Kokomo included experiences overseeing all academic operations including fiscal operations, fulfilling an integral role in hiring and personnel matters involving faculty, leading all professional undergraduate advising, designing and directing first year experience programs, and focusing on academic compliance and policy including accreditation reporting activities.
A thoughtful, collaborative, and engaged higher education professional, Downey brings a servant-leader approach to successfully navigate complex challenges. She emphasizes empowering colleagues with data, professional development, and enthusiastic colleagueship to implement innovative ideas through informed and constructive dialogue. As a lifelong learner and active scholar, Downey brings the perspective of a social scientist and social justice advocate to day-to-day decision making.
Downey is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Purdue University, where she specialized in clinical psychology. Throughout her career, Downey has authored a number of publications and delivered numerous professional presentations related to student success and psychology. Her research interests span health behavior; eating disturbance and disorder, issues of body image, and perfectionism; multicultural and international issues in mental health and wellness behaviors in relation to positive psychology; and service-learning activities, online learning, and attitudes about diversity in higher education.
