Our Team
Christopher G. Ellis, Ph.D.
Director, Institute for Dual Degree Engineering Advancement (IDEA)
With a proven track record of fostering academic success, enhancing the quality of teaching, and improving institutional effectiveness, Dr. Christopher G. Ellis remains dedicated to providing exceptional service and achieving stellar outcomes in education.
A lifelong scholar and transformational leader, Dr. Ellis has received extensive training in both education, engineering and healthcare in the United States and Canada. His academic credentials span multiple universities, including Jackson State University, Mississippi College, Capella University, Harvard University, and Cornell University, where he earned numerous degrees and certifications. Dr. Ellis has held a variety of leadership positions in both secondary and post-secondary institutions, including roles as professor, department chair, dean of students, academic dean, and campus president. In addition to his leadership roles, Dr. Ellis has led professional development seminars, conducted program assessments, and evaluated policies for private institutions, as well as local, state, and federal governments. His expertise extends to offering academic enrichment and tutorial services to families, underscoring his deep commitment to education at all levels.
Before joining the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), Dr. Ellis served as President and Chief Academic Officer at Virginia College in Macon, GA, and as Campus President at National American University in Austin, TX. He also held leadership positions at Texas Health and Science University in Austin, TX, where he was Department Chair of Allied Health and Business and later, Vice President.
Dr. Ellis’s achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including Teacher of the Year, Faculty of the Year, and Administrator of the Year. His personal favorite recognition is being named Father of the Year. Currently, Dr. Ellis serves as the Director of the Institute for Dual Degree Engineering Advancement (IDEA) at the Atlanta University Center Consortium, where his leadership continues to drive student success and institutional growth.
Christopher G. Ellis, Ph.D.
Interim Assistant Director for Engineering Innovation and Manager of the Dual Degree Engineering Program
With a proven track record for helping students achieve academic success, teachers improve the quality of their teachings, and academic leaders improve institutional effectiveness, Dr. Christopher G. Ellis’ ultimate goal is to remain dedicated to providing quality service with stellar results in the field of education.
Dr. Ellis, a lifelong scholar, is known as a transformational leader and has received extensive training in education and healthcare both in the United States and Canada; whereas, he has earned multiple degrees and certifications from multiple universities including Jackson State University, Mississippi College, Capella University, Harvard University, and Cornell University. Dr. Ellis has worked in both secondary and post- secondary educational institutions in a variant of roles, including professor, department chair, dean of students, academic dean, and campus president. He has conducted professional development seminars, program assessments, and policy evaluations in education for private institutions, local, state, and federal governments, as well as academic enrichment and tutorial services for families.
Prior to joining the AUCC, Dr. Ellis served as Interim President and Chief Academic Officer at Virginia College in Macon, GA. He served as Campus President at National American University in Austin Texas. Additionally, Ellis served as Department Chair of Allied Health and Business and interim Vice President at Texas Health and Science University in Austin, Texas.
Among Dr. Ellis’ many accomplishments include recognition as Teacher of the Year, Faculty of the Year, Administrator of the Year, and his personal favorite, Father of the Year. Dr. Ellis currently serves as the Program Manager for the Dual Degree Engineering Program at the Atlanta University Center Consortium.
Dr. Jonathan E. Gaines
Assistant Director for Engineering Innovation
Dr. Christopher G. Herring-Ellis
Program Manager, Dual Degree Engineering