Dr. Yan Li
Durham,NC
Summary
Higher education leader with 17 years of experience at Duke University and Duke Kunshan University, specializing in clinical services, academic administration, and student affairs. Expertise in mental health leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development to enhance student success and institutional effectiveness. Skilled in leading diverse teams and implementing equity-focused support systems while promoting collaboration across campuses. Proven ability to develop culturally responsive programs and partnerships that boost student well-being and engagement in both U.S. and international contexts.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Dean for Graduate Programs
The Graduate School, Duke University
Durham, USA
07.2022 - Current
- Serve on the Graduate School's senior leadership team, overseeing strategic planning and policy decisions
- Administer Graduate Student Affairs activities and programs to improve student engagement
- Manage Graduate Student Affairs budget to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance
- Serve as the Director of Duke University Center for Exemplary Mentoring, overseeing a $1 million Sloan Foundation grant
- Provide oversight for the English for International Students program to support academic success
- Advise Dean on policies related to graduate student health insurance and career development
- Lead university-wide recruiting efforts aimed at increasing representation of underrepresented groups
- Evaluate GSA initiatives to enhance quality of graduate student life at Duke
Director of Duke Center of Exemplary Mentoring
The Graduate School, Duke University
Durham, USA
07.2022 - Current
- Oversee daily operations of Duke UCEM while advocating for project objectives.
- Collaborate with Duke UCEM Co-PIs, administrative teams, and faculty to fulfill project mission.
- Lead development of Sloan proposal and site visit to secure funding and support.
- Manage communications with Sloan Foundation concerning Duke UCEM initiatives.
- Represent Duke at national UCEM meetings to enhance visibility and collaboration.
- Execute reports, collected research data, and directed faculty and student communications.
- Act as liaison for all Sloan Scholars and their departments to facilitate resources.
- Lead Sloan Scholar nomination and selection process and managed budget expenditures.
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Duke Kunshan University
China
07.2019 - 06.2022
- Served on student affairs executive leadership team to enhance institutional effectiveness
- Oversaw $2.23 million annual budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation across departments
- Led teams across six departments, including Counseling and Psychological Services and Career Services
- Supervised development of training programs on crisis management and student affairs practices
- Directed organizational development initiatives to improve operational efficiency
- Managed DKU threat assessment and student crisis response protocols effectively
- Briefed executive leadership on student welfare, behavior, and international student matters
- Created educational modules for faculty and senior administrators on crisis and threat management
Director of Counseling and Psychological Services
Duke Kunshan University Counseling and Psychological Services
China
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Established strategic direction and clinical infrastructure for DKU CAPS, developing organizational structure, policies, and procedures
- Led university threat assessment and crisis response team to ensure student safety and continuity of care
- Delivered multilingual counseling services in English and Mandarin, including initial evaluations, brief individual therapy, group therapy, and workshops
- Designed and implemented campus-wide mental health outreach programs to promote well-being and suicide prevention
- Supervised multidisciplinary team, enhancing quality, accessibility, and equity of clinical services
- Provided on-call crisis intervention services to support students during and after hours
- Partnered with academic deans and campus partners to create policies for mental health accommodations
- Championed integrated model of mental health support through collaboration with faculty, staff, and Student Affairs
Assistant Director of Campus Community Engagement
Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services
Durham, USA
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Led campus community engagement initiatives, establishing mission, vision, policies, and training programs
- Maintained liaison between CAPS and identity centers, academic departments, and other campus entities
- Implemented 'CAPS Chat' and 'CAPS Partner' programs to enhance support services at Duke
- Oversaw outreach programs focused on suicide prevention and stigma reduction
- Chaired Campus Community Engagement Steering Committee as part of administrative leadership team for CAPS
- Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to address mental health impacts of marginalization and discrimination
- Acted as CAPS representative for Graduate Programs, contributing to establishment of University Center for Exemplary Mentoring (UCEM) with funding from Alfred P
- Sloan Foundation
Coordinator of Outreach and Developmental Program
Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services
Durham, USA
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Coordinated CAPS Developmental Programs to enhance mental health services across campus
- Delivered ongoing mental health training for campus community and collaborated with partners
- Supervised psychology and social work interns through Outreach and Developmental Program trainings
- Oversaw printed and web content to ensure accurate representation of counseling services
- Created CAPS workshop flyer to promote workshops effectively throughout campus
- Organized staff photos and bios for updates on CAPS website, improving engagement
- Led International Students Engagement Committee to partner with campus units for student support
Staff Psychologist
Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services
Durham, USA
01.2008 - 01.2017
- Conducted initial clinical evaluations, individual counseling, and therapy groups for diverse student populations
- Delivered culturally responsive counseling in English and Mandarin Chinese
- Supervised pre-doctoral interns and post-doctoral residents in individual and group therapy contexts
- Designed and facilitated workshops to enhance student mental health and resilience
- Led training seminars on clinical skills and multicultural competence for psychology and social work trainees
- Provided crisis intervention services, ensuring immediate safety and continuity of care
- Trained interns in effective outreach strategies across diverse campus communities
- Collaborated with stakeholders to create tailored mental health workshops based on student needs
Pre-doctoral Psychology Intern
Miami University Student Counseling Service
Oxford, USA
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Delivered individual and couple/group therapy sessions, enhancing client support
- Conducted assessments for substance abuse, ADHD, career interests, and personality traits, including clinical interviews and result interpretation
- Specialized in multicultural counseling, LGBTQ issues, women's issues, and substance abuse treatment
- Developed outreach projects and workshops to promote mental health awareness
- Provided clinical supervision to a doctoral-level psychology student for 20 hours per week
- Offered on-call crisis intervention services during and after hours to address urgent needs
Mental Health Therapist and Supervisor
North Range Behavioral Health
Greeley, USA
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Executed crisis intervention and emergency services through telephonic and in-person treatment
- Assessed risk of harm to individuals, facilitating appropriate referrals and resources
- Delivered assessments and provided individual, family, and group counseling for patients with severe mental disorders
- Supported patients from low socioeconomic status backgrounds in recovery efforts
Children and Family Therapist
North Range Behavioral Health
Greeley, USA
02.2006 - 08.2006
- Delivered in-home and outpatient family therapy with a focus on cultural sensitivity
- Collaborated with families to create plans addressing challenges and achieving goals
- Provided parent education, consultation, and case management services for family development
Doctoral Psychology Trainee
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, USA
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Conducted intake interviews and provided individual, couple, family, and group counseling for university students and community members
- Administered tests and authored cognitive, personality, and Rorschach assessment reports
- Facilitated peer supervision sessions using one-way mirror and audio-visual equipment
- Received feedback from supervisors to enhance counseling techniques and professional development
Mental Health Therapist
Longmont United Hospital
Longmont, USA
03.2005 - 10.2005
- Created treatment plans and delivered therapy for patients with severe mental disabilities
- Co-facilitated psychoeducational and process groups to enhance patient engagement
- Acted as liaison among patients, families, and external agencies to ensure comprehensive care
Pre-master Psychology Intern
Truman State University
Kirksville, USA
01.2003 - 05.2004
- Delivered individual, couple, and career counseling services
- Co-facilitated therapy groups, including process therapy and alcohol abuse intervention
- Led support groups to promote mental health awareness and coping strategies
Education
Doctor of Psychology - Understand Chinese Lesbians' Subjective-Well Being During Sexual Identity Development
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO05-2008
Master of Arts - A Comparison of Self-esteem and Adjustment Among International Students
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO05.2004
Bachelor of Art - Educational Psychology
Central South University
Changsha, Hunan, China07.1994
Skills
- Clinical program development
- Crisis response and risk management
- Strategic planning and policy development
- Organizational design and change management
- Budget oversight and resource allocation
- Staff supervision and performance accountability
- Equity-centered leadership and inclusive team building
- Campus outreach and stakeholder engagement
- Cross-functional collaboration and partnerships
- Data-driven assessment and quality improvement
- Communication and conflict resolution
Languages
- English
- Mandarin Chinese
Professional License
- NC Licensed Psychologist, #3821
- PSYPACT Authorized Psychologist to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology, #19671
- Certified Yoga Instructor
Timeline
Associate Dean for Graduate Programs
The Graduate School, Duke University
07.2022 - Current
Director of Duke Center of Exemplary Mentoring
The Graduate School, Duke University
07.2022 - Current
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Duke Kunshan University
07.2019 - 06.2022
Director of Counseling and Psychological Services
Duke Kunshan University Counseling and Psychological Services
01.2019 - 01.2022
Assistant Director of Campus Community Engagement
Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services
01.2017 - 01.2019
Coordinator of Outreach and Developmental Program
Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services
01.2016 - 01.2017
Staff Psychologist
Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services
01.2008 - 01.2017
Pre-doctoral Psychology Intern
Miami University Student Counseling Service
01.2007 - 01.2008
Children and Family Therapist
North Range Behavioral Health
02.2006 - 08.2006
Mental Health Therapist
Longmont United Hospital
03.2005 - 10.2005
Mental Health Therapist and Supervisor
North Range Behavioral Health
01.2005 - 01.2007
Doctoral Psychology Trainee
University of Northern Colorado
01.2004 - 01.2006
Pre-master Psychology Intern
Truman State University
01.2003 - 05.2004
Doctor of Psychology - Understand Chinese Lesbians' Subjective-Well Being During Sexual Identity Development
University of Northern Colorado
Master of Arts - A Comparison of Self-esteem and Adjustment Among International Students
Truman State University
Bachelor of Art - Educational Psychology
Central South University
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