St. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ University announced today that Lisa Dutton, PT, PhD, has been selected as the Dean of Health Sciences in the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health (HSSH). Dutton, who is serving as the Interim Dean of Health Sciences, will begin her new role with the University effective immediately.
"Throughout the interview process, and as we considered the merits of all the candidates, Lisa stood out for her leadership qualities, the strength of her community partnerships, and her strategic vision for the future of the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health," said Lynda Szymanski, Interim Provost. "Lisa has excelled as a faculty member, scholar, and academic leader. Her commitment to ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s and the St. Kate's mission and values are evident in her work, and we are thrilled to welcome her into this new role."
The search committee narrowed a broad pool of candidates down to eight semi-finalists who participated in neutral site interviews. After identifying three qualified finalists, the search committee scheduled opportunities for various University constituent groups, including the senior leadership team, faculty, staff, ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s, and program directors to meet the finalists and provide feedback. The committee strongly recommended Dutton for this position following the search process for her demonstration of living the St. Kate's mission; her commitment to ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s and patients; her blend of clinical, online and classroom experience; and her leadership and organizational skills.
As Dean of Health Sciences, Dutton will work collaboratively with the Dean of Nursing and the Provost to provide leadership across all health science departments within HSSH to shape an environment of enhanced collaboration among schools and colleges and to cultivate consistent university wide policies.
"I am honored to be selected for this position. St. Kate's Henrietta Schmoll School of Health is a leader in the health education space, and I am excited to be part of this innovative team as we work to improve the health of all people without distinction and lead efforts to dismantle structural barriers to health equity. It is a privilege to serve our programs as they educate the preeminent health professional of tomorrow," said Dutton.
Dutton joined St. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ University in 2008. Dutton is professor of physical therapy and has served in a variety of leadership roles including department chair and program director, and associate dean of the Henrietta Schmoll School of Health. Most currently, she served as the Interim Dean of Health Sciences.
In 2018, Dutton received the Stanford Award from the Journal of Physical Therapy Education, which recognizes authors of a paper containing the most influential educational ideas. The article, co-authored with Debra Sellheim, PhD, explored how the ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s experience and cope with the differences between their curriculum and clinical practice.
Prior to joining the faculty at St. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ University, Dutton served as the founding program director for the physical therapy programs at The University of Findlay and later as Dean of the College of Health Professions. Dutton currently teaches content in the area of rehabilitation, neurologic physical therapy, and motor learning.
Dutton has practiced as a physical therapist in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. In keeping with these interests, she has published and presented nationally on topics related to neurologic physical therapy and education.
Dutton earned her bachelor's degree in physical therapy at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She received her master's in neurologic physical therapy from the Chicago Medical School, and a PhD degree in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University.