Expanded four-college model enhances scholarship and inter-departmental dialogue
Alvernia University expands and restructures its academic programs by establishing a four-college model and naming leaders for the College of Business, Communication and Leadership (CBCL), College of Health Sciences (CHS), College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (CHESS) and College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (CSTEAM).
“This restructuring will bring departments, campuses, faculty and students together to foster inter-departmental dialogue, enhance scholarship and forge partnerships that deepen the university’s ties within the Reading community and beyond,” said Alvernia University President John R. Loyack. “With new, expanded and refreshed academic programs, this was the perfect time to restructure for the benefit of our students and dedicated faculty.”
With national searches underway for Deans of the two colleges, Alvernia University trustee emeritus and health care pioneer Dr. Thomas E. Beeman has been named Interim Dean of College of Health Sciences, while the College of Business, Communication, and Leadership will be represented by Dr. Travis Berger, who will serve in this liaison function representing the needs of the departments of the college. Vice president and chief operating officer of the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Dr. Rodney Ridley has been named the Interim Dean of College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. After serving the last two years as the Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Elizabeth Matteo has been named Dean of College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences.
“We wanted to enhance the sense of community among the members of the academic departments, across the colleges and having engagement where everyone, across campuses, across graduate and undergraduate programs, all are part of the same structure,” said Alvernia University Senior Vice President and Provost Glynis Fitzgerald. “We have a great number of first-generation college students and others who know they want to be in the health profession but need exposure to the breadth of the field before determining their best path. Through the new colleges, they’ll be able to explore, find the pathway that meets their needs, and ultimately, their happiness.”
Previously the university was structured in two colleges and a school for graduate and adult education programs. The new department structure is listed below:
- College of Business, Communication and Leadership
- Business
- Communication
- Leadership
- College of Health Sciences
- Athletic Training
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Healthcare Science
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
- Addictions and Mental Health Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Humanities
- Psychology
- Social Work
- College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics
- Engineering
- Fine and Performing Arts
- Science and Math
