Dianna Austin
Assistant Director of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development
Dianna Austin joined Columbia University in 2023, serving the faculty of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dianna joined SEAS in December 2025 as Assistant Director of Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development.
Dianna is a faculty affairs administrator focused on supporting faculty through the entire career life cycle, from recruitment and onboarding to promotion, retention, and retirement. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where faculty of all backgrounds feel welcome and able to engage with colleagues, thrive within the academic community, and enhance their professional development.
Dianna is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Administration at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), where she is an advocate for gender equity and reproductive health. At SIPA, she is the Vice President of the Menstrual Equity Coalition, a student-led group that promotes reproductive justice and builds awareness around menstrual health and reproductive rights at Columbia University.
With a strong interest in gender equity in higher education, she seeks to strengthen transparency and fairness in faculty policies and processes. Her goal is to help develop fair, inclusive policies that support faculty at every stage of their careers.