A national search is underway to identify the next dean of the University of Delaware’s College of Health Sciences, UD President Dennis Assanis and Provost Robin Morgan announced today. A search advisory committee has been appointed and an executive search firm retained.

Last year, Kathleen Matt, who has served as dean of the college since 2009, announced her plans to retire after the 2021-22 academic year.

In announcing the search, Assanis said, “In this critical time when the global spotlight is more focused on health science than ever before, we are seeking an individual who can build on the college’s momentum and strong reputation, while also identifying new opportunities to advance and innovate UD educational programs, research endeavors and community outreach.”

Co-chairing the search advisory committee for the next dean are Levi Thompson, dean of the College of Engineering and Elizabeth Inez Kelley Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Darcy Reisman, chair and professor in the Department of Physical Therapy.

Members of the committee are

• Leslie Allshouse, vice chair and senior instructor in the Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences and director of the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program
• Jed Castellucci, chief clinical operating officer and clinic director in the College of Health Sciences Dean’s Office
• Matthew Cohen, assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Yendelela Cuffee, assistant professor the Epidemiology Program
• Heiddy DiGregorio, assistant professor and director of Simulation and Interprofessional Education in the School of Nursing
• David Edwards, professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology
• Alan Fox, professor in the Department of Philosophy
• Joe Fox, professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering
• Nancy Getchell, professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, and the Department of Women and Gender Studies and president-elect of the Faculty Senate
• Kristi Kiick, chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Chrissi Rawak, director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation
• Jillian Trabulsi, chair and associate professor in the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition and associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology
• Eric Wommack, deputy dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and in the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment
• Regina Wright, associate dean for diversity and inclusion in the College of Health Sciences and professor in the School of Nursing

Assisting with the search will be Education Executives, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in searches for higher education leadership.

UD’s College of Health Sciences (CHS) is a hub of multidisciplinary education, research, patient services and public outreach. Including seven academic units and 135 faculty members, the college has more than 2,800 undergraduate students and more than 550 graduate students. CHS offers 13 undergraduate and 29 graduate programs, clinical research projects and a rich array of classroom, laboratory, real-world clinical, service and experiential learning opportunities. In parallel, CHS is home to extensive research programs including interdisciplinary amd translational programs funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense. CHS also partners with key healthcare providers including Christiana Care, Nemours/A.I. Dupont Hospital for Children, Thomas Jefferson University, Beebe Healthcare, Bayhealth and the Wilmington VA Hospital.