Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Assistant Dean for Student AffairsArt Foundation Program Lead
Jody Symula is the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and the Art Foundation Program Lead. Symula’s professional tenure at VCUarts began with teaching in the Art Foundation program from 2006-2010 after receiving her MFA with a concentration in Painting and Printmaking. In addition to teaching, Symula was the Head of Residential Life and Assistant Director for the Summer Intensive residential program from 2005-2007 where she built programming, manuals and protocol for the new program. From 2006-2010 Symula was Director of Student Services.
In her current role she builds structures, directs and advocates for resources for VCUarts students to best guarantee success at the University and in life after college. Her areas of interest are the mental and behavioral health as well as the financial lives of students. Academic advising, the student centric gallery the Anderson, as well as the first year fine and design program Art Foundation fall under her purview in addition to a robust student research and grant portfolio.
Prior to coming to VCUarts, Symula earned her BFA in painting from Humboldt State University, and her Associate’s degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University.