Deputy Chief of Staff to the PresidentAffiliated Faculty, Department of Public Administration and Policy

Dr. Standifer joined the UGA Office of the President as Assistant to the President in July 2019 and became Deputy Chief of Staff in January 2022. His work focuses primarily on community engagement, student affairs, and diversity relations. He serves as the liaison to the Staff Council, Retirees Association, Board of Visitors, and Student Government Association while also representing the President’s Office in the planning of several annual events, including the Holmes-Hunter Lecture Series, Mary Frances Early Lecture, Staff Appreciation Day, and the presentation of the President’s Medal during Founders Day. Additionally, he oversees the awarding of grants through the President’s Venture Fund. Dr. Standifer serves as the point of contact for inquiries and day-to-day management of the President’s Office and the primary liaison with the university’s development and alumni relations team.

Prior to his role as Assistant to the President, Dr. Standifer served as Director of New Student Orientation and Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Georgia. Before joining UGA in 2014, he served at Georgia Southern University in a variety of student-centered roles as a graduate student. Dr. Standifer is a member of the Leadership Georgia Class of 2022. He is also a graduate of LEAD Athens, hosted by the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Enrollment Leadership Academy, hosted by The College Board. Standifer emceed the 2019 and 2021 TEDxUGA and remains involved with the International Town Gown Association. Dr. Standifer earned his bachelor’s degree in middle grades education and his master’s degree in higher education administration from Georgia Southern University. He earned his doctorate in public administration and policy from the UGA School of Public and International Affairs.