Lauren Coffey Promoted to Assistant Dean of Graduate Academic Services

Lauren Coffey has been promoted to the assistant dean of graduate academic services, effective July 1, 2026.

Coffey served as the director of graduate academic services, ensuring that all graduate academic policies and processes were clearly communicated and supported. In her role, she monitored academic processes for matriculated students, handling special requests, petitions, applications for graduation and curricular modifications.

“Lauren’s leadership as the director of graduate academic services demonstrated her keen ability to analyze policy and streamline processes. She understands our deep commitment to student success and has been instrumental in removing barriers for our students,”emphasized Dr. Katherine Hall-Hertel, associate dean of the Graduate School. “She possesses a rare and invaluable ability to navigate complex policy with clarity and empathy, ensuring that administrative processes remain student centered.”

In her expanded role, Coffey will lead academic services by managing and interpreting academic policies and requests for exceptions. She will also oversee the graduate student suspension and appeal process. She also takes on supervision of the TA training process. This position involves supervising staff as they run the graduation clearance process and acting as the primary contact for academic exceptions. Additionally, the assistant dean will continue to collaborate closely with program directors and others to ensure a clear understanding of the relevant policies and procedures.

“As assistant dean, Lauren will play a critical role in shaping an academic affairs framework that is both rigorous and deeply student-centric,” said Bill Tolone, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. “Her unique legal and academic background positions her perfectly to lead our policy operations and drive systemic improvements that directly elevate the graduate student experience and promote graduate student success at UNC Charlotte.”

Coffey has extensive experience in higher education, having served as an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, a visiting professor at Western Kentucky University and as an associate professor and program director at Winthrop University. She has conducted research in sports law and is driven to teach legal issues to non-law professionals. Further, Coffey has legal experience from her time at Liberty Mutual Insurance and various law firms.

Coffey holds a Juris Doctor from Marquette University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Stanford University.