Interim Dean for College of Nursing and Health Professions
August 5, 2016
President John A. Fry and Executive Vice President and Provost, Brian M. Blake announce the appointment of Sue Smith, PT, PhD, as Interim Dean.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Susan Smith, PT, PhD, as interim Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Sue succeeds Dean Gloria Donnelly who concluded her Deanship on June 30. She will serve as interim dean until a new dean is identified.
Sue joined Drexel in 2004. She has 44 years of clinical experience in physical therapy, 35 years of faculty experience and has held a variety of administrative positions during her distinguished career. She currently teaches in the PhD program in Rehabilitation Sciences and leads our pro bono Osteoporosis Education and Exercise Program.
Sue directed the PhD Program in Rehabilitation Sciences from 2005–2011 and initiated a College-wide reorganization that resulted in a transition from programs with directors to departments with chairs. She chaired the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences from 2006–2011 and then served again as interim Chair from 2014–2016. She was promoted to Associate Dean for Research and Health Professions Graduate Education in 2011 and founded and chaired the Health Systems and Sciences Research Department.
Among her administrative accomplishments, Sue recruited 23 new faculty and staff positions driven by growth in the College and led the planning and renovation of research and clinical services space at Parkway Health & Wellness, which serves as an interprofessional model of collaborative care.
She also developed the Office of Nursing and Health Professions Research to provide infrastructure and support for research-active faculty, and the Council of PhD Program Directors to promote interprofessional education and research. In addition, she created the Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research Committee to develop experiential opportunities for students and faculty. She was responsible for the creation of the Clinical Services Advisory Board, and a task force that evolved to become the Dean’s Advisory Board for Diversity and Inclusion.
Sue has served as a principal or co-investigator for 19 research grants totaling over $5 million in funding and has presented at local, regional, national and international meetings. She has published in a variety of journals and authored or coauthored 11 book chapters. In addition, she has mentored numerous students earning MS or PhD degrees.
We are confident that the College of Nursing and Health Professions will continue to thrive under Sue’s leadership.