Janice Drake-Austin

Janice Drake-Austin serves as the Senior Executive Assistant to the Dean at the Stamps School of Art & Design, and provides comprehensive, executive-level support leadership. In this role, she performs advanced, diversified, confidential administrative and strategic duties. Janice is the direct supervisor of two administrative assistants who support up to five senior executive leaders, while also leading the workflow of the operational unit.

Janice is responsible for setting day-to-day organizational priorities, standardizing workflows and service levels, managing coverage and capacity, and ensuring the consistent, accurate, and timely execution of core Dean’s Office processes. As a trusted advisor and strategic administrative partner, she optimizes the Dean’s time, communications, and engagements; strengthens operating rhythms across leadership; and helps ensure the office functions with professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Throughout her career, Janice has developed an enduring commitment to teamwork, adaptability, and the importance of being a compassionate leader. These ideals are foundational to her work ethic and fuels her passion for collaboration that solves issues and produces results.

Mentoring and championing others extends outside of Janice’s professional work. She is an active member of a leadership development team and hosts a weekly book club. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and finding joy in the everyday moments that bring people together. Her favorite hobby is CrossFit training with her husband.