Erum Abbasi Syed serves as the Executive Assistant Dean for UC Davis Graduate Studies. In her role, Abbasi Syed serves as the lead staff administrator in strategic planning and overall management, spearheading strategic vision planning that affects graduate student life, student resources, student success and developmental experiences on campus. She leads strategic and financial planning, forecasting, organizational development, facilities management, risk management, information technology and human resource management for Graduate Studies. Abbasi Syed is responsible for leading efforts in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion and supports the associate dean of graduate programs in their oversight of the academic programs. In addition, Abbasi-Syed serves as a liaison with the systemwide University of California, UC Davis communities, and in an executive leadership position representing the Vice Provost/Dean of Graduate Studies.  

Abbasi Syed has worked in higher education administration since 2003 at UCLA School of Law, Princeton University, and UC Davis’ College of Letters and Science. During her time at UC Davis, she has participated in several campus-wide committees and initiatives, including serving on the Staff Diversity Administrative Advisory Committee (SDAAC); participating in the University of California Women’s Initiative for Professional Development, representing UC Davis; designing and leading a First-Year Aggie Connection; and serving on the 2014 Working Group on Diversity & Inclusivity. Abbasi Syed has been awarded several division, college, and campus-level awards and honors, including the Social Sciences Dean’s Staff Accomplishment Award; Disability Awareness Team Award, and the Chancellor’s Staff Excellence Award.