New dean of the College of Health Sciences announced
University of Kentucky names Dr. [Name] as new dean of the College of Health Sciences, effective [Date].
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Health sciences dean announced: University of Kentucky picks new medicine chair
Sarah Mills | GlobalBeat
The University of Kentucky has appointed Allison H. Jones as dean of its College of Health Sciences, university officials announced Monday.
Jones currently chairs the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She will assume the role on January 15, 2024.
The appointment follows a 10-month national search after former dean Scott M. Lephart left in February to become vice chancellor for research at UK, according to university records.
“I am honored to lead the College of Health Sciences and build upon its established excellence,” Jones said in an interview. She added that she will focus on expanding interdisciplinary research programs.
The college currently enrolls 2,200 students across 10 undergraduate and 12 graduate programs, according to university statistics. It houses departments in Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, and Clinical Leadership.
UK Provost Robert DiPaola confirmed Jones was selected from a pool of 45 applicants. “Her research portfolio and collaborative approach distinguished her candidacy,” he said at Monday’s press conference.
Jones holds a doctorate in Rehabilitation Science and Leadership from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She has published 120 peer-reviewed articles and secured $18 million in federal research funding since 2009.
Vanderbilt University declined comment on Jones’s departure, citing personnel confidentiality. Jones served on Vanderbilt’s faculty for 14 years and directs the school’s Center for Clinical & Translational Research.
The College of Health Sciences operates clinics serving 13,000 patients annually across Kentucky, university data show.
Background
Founded in 1966, the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences began as College of Allied Health Professions. It was one of the first such colleges at a major U.S. public university. The school changed to its current name in 2004 to reflect expanded research mission.
Previous deans include Lephart, who served from 2016 until 2023. Under his leadership, the college opened a $112 million research facility in 2018. The building houses laboratories for rehabilitation sciences and athletic training research.
What’s Next
Jones will meet with faculty and staff during an upcoming listening tour, according to university officials. She plans to present strategic priorities at spring faculty assembly on January 30.
The University of Kentucky board of trustees must formally approve Jones’s appointment during its next meeting in December, university spokesman Jay Blanton confirmed.