Jill Deering is the senior assistant dean of student and academic affairs at the Schar School of Policy and Government bringing two decades of leadership experience to the mission of higher education. Currently managing the undergraduate and graduate academic services and career development teams in the Schar School, she is experienced in leading programs and services to recruit and retain students and foster student academic and professional achievement. After beginning her professional life working in the intelligence community, Jill launched her higher education career at Dickinson College directing freshman transition programs before moving to George Mason University to focus her work on students who share her passion for public affairs and public service. Jill earned her BA in government and politics from George Mason University and her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also a recent graduate of the Leadership Arlington program.