Kathy Duncan Named Interim Dean of College of Health and Community Well-Being
The University of La Verne has appointed Kathy Duncan, EdD, as interim dean of the College of Health and Community Well-Being, effective January 1, 2023.
Duncan, who came to the university in 2002 and currently serves as chair of the university鈥檚 Master of Science in Leadership and Management program, brings a wealth of experience in health care and management. She will be the first full-time dean to lead the college, which opened on July 1.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor to step into this role, and to help shape something so important to the future of the University of La Verne,鈥� Duncan said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been closely involved in the planning and vision for this college from the beginning, and I鈥檓 thrilled to see it become a reality.鈥�
The college鈥攖he cornerstone of the university鈥檚聽2025 Strategic Vision鈥攊s a hub for high-quality education, research, and innovation in health and the social determinants of health. It also provides a pipeline of qualified graduates to support the Southern California region鈥檚 growing need for healthcare professionals.
Currently, it offers 10 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in nursing, health administration, physician assistant practice, child life, psychology and therapy, clinical psychology, and athletic training.
Duncan has served in an array of leadership roles since her arrival at University of La Verne, including directing the Master of Science in Leadership and Management, Master of Health Administration, and Master of Science in Gerontology programs. She has also been chair of the Faculty Assembly and Graduate Council, a member of the Faculty Senate and Faculty Diversity Committee, faculty representative to the Board of Trustees, and a member of the College of Health Special Committee.
Prior to coming to the university, she spent more than 20 years as a registered nurse, nursing director, and administrative director at hospitals and health care organizations in Southern California. She also has deep ties to local communities through her service on several nonprofit boards of directors and consulting work for regional universities, nonprofits, and businesses.
鈥淜athy鈥檚 dual experience in health care and academia position her to be the ideal leader for the College of Health and Community Well-Being,鈥� President Devorah Lieberman said. 鈥淪he is also highly respected by the university community for her collaborative leadership, commitment to diversity and equity, and embodiment of the values that make the University of La Verne special and distinctive.鈥�
Duncan said her top priority will be to ensure the college provides a meaningful and valuable experience to students. She will also focus on continuing to build an infrastructure for the new college, creating and strengthening community partnerships, and developing new academic programs.
Though the college is new, the University of La聽Verne has a long history of excellence in health education. Health-related degrees have been an important part of the university鈥檚 offerings for 50 years. Today, one in six current undergraduate and graduate students at the university is enrolled in a health-related degree.
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