Lawrenceville, May 11, 2026 — From a remote elementary school in Taiwan to the dean's office at one of Georgia's most diverse colleges — and from a Gwinnett grocery aisle to a seat on one of the county's community improvement boards — two Asian American leaders are stepping into influential new roles this spring, reflecting the AAPI community's deepening roots across metro Atlanta.
Dr. Michael Chen Named Dean at Georgia Gwinnett College
Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) has appointed Dr. Michael Chen as dean of its School of Liberal Arts, effective July 1, 2026, announced Dr. Chavonda Mills, senior vice president for Academic Affairs and provost.
Chen's path to academia is anything but conventional. Born in Taiwan, he spent formative years navigating a blend of Spanish, African, Mayan, and British influences in Belize before eventually settling in Kentucky. He originally set his sights on dental school, but financial barriers redirected his course. Completing mandatory military service back in Taiwan, he was assigned to teach English at a remote elementary school — a pivotal experience that sparked an enduring passion for teaching and a fascination with how people learn.
“I discovered a passion for teaching,” Chen recalled. “I began incorporating motivational and cognitive strategies into my lessons, which sparked my interest in psychology.” He went on to earn a doctorate in experimental psychology from the University of Kentucky.
Chen joins GGC from Kennesaw State University, where he served as associate dean for student success and engagement in the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He previously chaired the Department of Psychology at Eastern Kentucky University. His honors include KSU's 2025 Outstanding Teaching Award and the 2021 Outstanding Undergraduate Mentor Award from the Kentucky Psychological Foundation.
As a first-generation college graduate and immigrant, Chen says GGC's mission speaks directly to his own story. “The opportunity to support first-generation and diverse students is especially meaningful to me,” he said. He plans to launch his tenure with community-wide listening sessions before turning his focus to student retention and academic success strategies.
Dr. Mills welcomed the appointment enthusiastically. “Dr. Chen brings both deep experience and a genuine commitment to student success,” she said. “His leadership will help shape the next chapter of the School of Liberal Arts in meaningful and innovative ways.”
When he's not on campus, Chen can typically be found cheering for his three children at a swimming pool or soccer field — alongside his wife of 20 years.
Ben Vo Elected to Gwinnett Place CID Board
On the economic development front, Ben Vo — founder and CEO of City Farmers Market Group — has been elected to the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District (GPCID) board, filling Post 2 following the organization's annual Caucus of Electors on April 29.
A Gwinnett-based entrepreneur since 1996, Vo has spent nearly three decades reshaping metro Atlanta's international grocery and retail landscape. His portfolio spans City Farmers Market locations in Duluth, Atlanta, Chamblee, Marietta, Norcross, and Snellville, alongside Hong Kong Market, Inc. and Millennium Partners Investment and Development Group. He has received multiple community and business awards throughout his career.
GPCID board chair Trey Ragsdale, who manages external relations for Kaiser Permanente in Georgia, highlighted the significance of the district Vo is now helping to lead. “Our board is truly representative of the district's diverse property owners and is the economic engine of the county, producing almost $16 billion in annual economic impact,” Ragsdale said. “Ben will bring a new perspective to the board — working to be a voice for other business owners.”
Vo aims to bring that voice to bear on smart growth, economic development, and small business empowerment — while championing the cultural connections that make Gwinnett one of the most vibrant and diverse counties in the nation.
