OLD DOMINION ANNOUNCES CHOICE FOR NEW DEAN OF COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Cheryl T. Samuels, dean of the College of Allied Health and Nursing at Minnesota State University, Mankato, has been selected as dean of the College of Health Sciences at Old Dominion University, Provost Jo Ann Gora announced today. Her appointment becomes effective July 18.
Samuels, who also is a professor of health sciences, has served as dean at MSU-Mankato since 1995. Previously, she held several positions at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, including acting vice president for academic affairs, special assistant to the president, and chair and graduate program director in the Dental School's dental hygiene department.
In addition, Samuels served as special assistant to the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services System for strategic planning and program development.
As dean at Minnesota State, Samuels is responsible for a $6 million budget with more than 100 faculty and staff, a $750,000 healthcare education-industry partnership grant and rapidly growing college research, endowment and annual giving funds.
"She has successfully guided numerous initiatives, including the establishment of a college instructional technology development center, the development of Internet-based courses and distance learning programs, leadership for a regional 'Open Door' nurse-managed care center and partnerships for a healthier community," Gora said in a memo to Old Dominion faculty.
"She is also leading efforts on her campus to implement a post-baccalaureate certificate and master of science degree in holistic health and healing studies, modify curricula in college programs to develop interdisciplinary units of study based on core and shared competencies, and develop an interdisciplinary Center for LifeHealth and Healing."
Samuels will succeed Lindsay L. Rettie as dean of Old Dominion's College of Health Sciences. Rettie, who has served in the post since 1986, announced in September that she planned to step down and teach in the college's community health program. "I feel we've accomplished a great deal," said Rettie, the founding dean of the college. "The college is on a sound basis now and it's a good time to turn it over."
Commenting on her appointment, Samuels said, "I am both honored and pleased to have been selected to serve as the second dean of health sciences at Old Dominion University. I am looking forward to leading the energetic and distinguished faculty as we work together to build upon the college's excellent record of achievement in academic programs, research initiatives and service to the community."
Samuels received her doctorate in policy sciences and an advanced certificate in administrative practice from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, a master of science degree from the University of Michigan and a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University.