New College of Health dean announced

Debbie currently serves as dean of the College of Health at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. Since assuming the dean role in 2022, Debbie has maintained keen attention to balancing budgets and programs. Her work includes overseeing the professional accreditation of several of the 50-plus degree programs offered in the college; managing statewide programs at more than 15 community sites across Alaska; working with faculty and staff to provide the highest quality of education possible to dedicated students; and ensuring transparency, integrity and collaboration.

As dean, she has emphasized the pursuit of health equity within health care systems and society in general; ethical and fair practices concerning faculty, staff and students; and transparent and consistent leadership to the college. A primary focus of her work is building relationships with health care communities and other constituents. Her research interests include sport concussions, medial tibial stress syndrome, and knee injuries.

She holds an MS in athletic training and a BS in physical education, and her career began with full-time clinical work in athletics at NCAA Division I institutions. After receiving her doctorate in educational leadership from Colorado State University in 2002, she began her work in academia at Northern Arizona University in the athletic training program. She progressed to a tenured full professor, department co-chair, and then to the associate dean of the College of Health and Human Services.

“I am thrilled to join Oregon State University as dean of the College of Health,” she says. “OSU’s commitment to innovation, community engagement and advancing health equity across the lifespan resonates with my own values and previous work. I am excited to collaborate with the extraordinary faculty, staff and students at OSU to build upon the college’s impressive achievements and to help shape the future of health education, research and service to our Oregon communities. The opportunity to contribute to a vibrant academic community that’s dedicated to making a meaningful impact both locally and globally is truly inspiring.”

The college is excited to welcome Debbie to the Oregon State University community and offers sincere appreciation to Interim Dean Rick Settersten, PhD who will return to his University Distinguished Professor role.