Abby Crane has joined the Dean’s Office as an Administrative Specialist I, and Gayle Kromhout is the new Executive Assistant to the Dean. The pair assumed their duties approximately two weeks ago.
Abby provides administrative and project coordination assistance to Dr. Mike Fulford, Assistant Dean for Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Initiatives and Director of Faculty Affairs along with Dr. Tim Brown, Director of Interprofessional Education. Gayle administratively supports Dean Kelly Smith as well as Dr. Andrew Darley, Assistant Dean for Professional Education, with a wide range of duties and responsibilities.
Abby and Gayle offered additional details about their professional experiences, thoughts about joining the College of Pharmacy, and their outside interests. Read more about these new PharmDawgs!
Abby Crane
Where are you from originally and what brought you to Athens and UGA?
I am from Commerce, so I’ve always been local to the area. My mom worked for UGA and encouraged me to consider a career here, too. I’ve always appreciated the sense of community on campus, which drew me in early on.
Where did you receive your training/education?
My training comes entirely through hands-on experiences. I’ve developed my skills over many years of working in administrative and accounting roles at UGA.
How did you become interested in your chosen field/profession?
I’ve always been drawn to administrative work, because I genuinely enjoy being in a support role and helping others succeed. I find the variety of tasks and the opportunity to collaborate with different people really energizing. Through the years, I’ve gained experience in accounting, customer service, and project coordination, all of which help me adapt to whatever the day brings.
What previous, relatable job experiences do you bring to your new position, and have you worked elsewhere at UGA?
I spent more than 13 years with Enterprise Information Technology Services (EITS) at UGA. I started as a clerk, transitioned into an administrative associate role, and finally worked as an accountant. That range of experiences gave me a strong foundation in administrative operations and financial processes.
What drew you to this job at the College of Pharmacy?
After some time away from UGA to care for my grandmother, I was eager to return to campus and reconnect with the UGA community. I missed the energy of working in a collaborative environment. I also wanted to get back to administrative work, where I feel most at home.
What are you responsible for in your new position?
In my new role, I support the College with a wide range of administrative and project coordination tasks, including managing calendars, organizing meetings and events, processing financial and travel documents, and assisting with communications and data reporting. I also help to coordinate faculty affairs processes and provide support for college-wide events. It’s a dynamic position that gives me a chance to be involved in many areas across the College.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I am passionate about traditional fiber arts—especially sewing, bobbin lace making, and hand embroidery. I also love to travel and enjoy exploring new places whenever I get the opportunity. At home, I share life with my Pomeranian, Sophie, and my cat, Alex. I live on my family’s farm and spend a lot of my free time with my two lively nephews, who always keep things fun and unpredictable!
Any special message to share with your PharmDawg family?
I’m genuinely excited to join the College of Pharmacy and contribute to such a welcoming and mission-driven community. I love learning new things and jumping in where I can, so please don’t hesitate to say hello or stop by to introduce yourself— I’m looking forward to working with everyone!
Abby’s Contact Info:
Office: Wilson 101E
Email: [email protected]
Office Phone: 706-542-3549
Gayle Kromhout
Where are you from originally and what brought you to Athens and UGA?
I’m a native Atlantan and attended UGA as an undergraduate. After too many years in the Florida heat and hurricanes, we landed in Athens for its size, culture, climate, location, and to be a part of the Bulldog Nation!
Where did you receive your training/education?
I earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University and a Montessori teaching diploma from the American Montessori Society.
What are your areas of interest and expertise?
I enjoy building and nurturing relationships, problem solving, fostering collaboration, supporting my community, and child development, especially using the Montessori philosophy.
What previous, relatable job experiences do you bring to your new position, and have you worked elsewhere at UGA?
At UGA, I have worked at the Child Development Lab at the McPhaul Center, the Office of Faculty Affairs, and the Office of the Provost in an administrative support capacity. In addition, I was a Montessori teacher for 10 years in Florida.
What drew you to this job at the College of Pharmacy?
The people, the atmosphere, and the culture.
What are you responsible for in your new position?
I will support Dean Kelly Smith and Assistant Dean Andrew Darley as well as collaborate within the Dean’s office on various projects.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy outdoor activities, working in my yard and garden, travel, yoga, museums, artistic crafts, and UGA athletics. I especially enjoy my family! I am married with two sons—the eldest is an ER nurse who is married to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and the younger is a UGA Family and Consumer Science Double Dawg alumnus in Consumer Analytics. In addition, I have a stepdaughter who is a middle school band director, as well as one dog and five grand dogs!
Any special message to share with your PharmDawg family?
I look forward to working in Pharmacy and getting to know everyone. Please stop by and introduce yourself!
Gayle’s Contact Info:
Office: Wilson 101L
Email: [email protected]
Office Phone: 706-542-1914
