Sep 2, 2025
Energy and updates mark CHP town hall as college charts its path forward
The collective spirit of the College of Health Professions was on display at its fall 2025 Welcome Back Town Hall. The event served as part progress report, part platform for various college leaders to share what’s new and what makes the college so special.
“We strive to be the best, and then once we get to be the best, we have to continue to evolve and improve and grow and change,” said Amy R. Darragh, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health Professions.
A strategic roadmap for CHP
The centerpiece of Darragh’s remarks was an update on the college’s ongoing strategic planning process. Over the summer, faculty and staff engaged in brainstorming sessions, SWOT analyses, prioritization exercises and more. The work has now turned toward drafting an ambition statement and measurable goals for the next five years.
“We have really been working on our student value proposition, our market analysis and our ambition,” Darragh said. “These sessions are great opportunities to make your ideas known and help us think through what you want to see us do over the next five years.”
The data show the college is well-positioned in the short and long term. Demand for health professionals remains strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects medical and health services management jobs to grow by 29% over the next decade. At the same time, Darragh emphasized that CHP must keep pace with changing student demographics and the growth of virtual care. A pivotal part of the college’s strategy is input from stakeholders.
“Right now, we're at a phase where we are looking at strategic priorities, and, from that, we will craft goals,” said Darragh, calling out the underlying metrics that inform the plan and shape its implementation.
“This ensures we have a plan that is dynamic, that we are constantly evaluating how we are doing, and that we are regularly assessing whether we need to make a change, because things happen, the world changes and we may need to shift direction.”
New ideas, new structures
One of the most impactful initiatives unveiled was the launch of the InterDisciplinary Education, Activities and Scholarship (IDEAS) Hub. Housed in the Dean’s Office, the hub will serve as a home for interprofessional education, research and service activities. It is also the new home of the college’s Bachelor of Science in Health Services program.
A task force will shape the hub’s structure, and faculty interested in contributing were encouraged to sign up and participate. For Darragh, the hub represents a practical step toward breaking down silos. “This gives us a way to start those conversations about how we amplify interprofessionalism in the college,” she said.
Research momentum
Faika Zanjani, Ph.D., associate dean for research, and professor of gerontology, reported a 38% increase in grant submission funding, totaling more than $6.6 million this year.
“We had a very busy summer and a lot of listening and a lot of action,” Zanjani said. Among the highlights:
- A new biostatistical support team led by Yongyun Shin, Ph.D., will provide consultation for faculty and students.
- A Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) community is being formalized, with summits on interprofessional education and artificial intelligence scheduled for the year ahead.
- The Neurodegeneration Convergence Lab is moving forward, positioning CHP faculty at the center of campuswide collaborations in neuroscience and mental health.
Zanjani also introduced Tiffany Amos as the college’s new senior research compliance coordinator, who will support faculty on regulatory requirements, recordkeeping and post-award needs.
Student success and access
Alena C. Hampton, Ph.D., associate dean for academic affairs and student success, spotlighted new academic programs. Two minors – in research ecosystems and community mental health services – were recently approved, expanding opportunities for undergraduates.
Perhaps the most tangible effort to support students is the upcoming launch of Little Ram Pantries on the MCV campus, which is part of a university-wide initiative to address food insecurity.
“Take when you need, give when you can,” Hampton explained, describing the pantry model. Two pantry locations and a refrigerator will be installed in the CHP building, with processes in place for donations, including fresh produce.
Operations and infrastructure
Other updates reflected the college’s behind-the-scenes progress:
- Finance: Christie Atkins, executive director of finance and research administration, reported the college’s stable footing for the year ahead. CHP remains on track to support its programs and absorb adjustments without affecting academic priorities.
- Human Resources: Kristen Rasmussen, director of human resources, introduced a new recruitment system launching in October and celebrated the popularity of wellness activities, such as decompression sessions, which are returning this semester. Additionally, the CHP intranet will provide a one-stop hub for policies, calendars and resources.
- Staff Council: Amanda Alley, director of admissions and student services for nurse anesthesia, shared news of a community service project with Hillard House, assembling breakfast bags for children in emergency shelters.
- Communications and college culture: Malorie Burkett, director of communications and marketing, closed with updates on how CHP is connecting internally and externally. The CHP Weekly newsletter maintains a 70% open rate, a rare benchmark in higher education communications. A new CHP merch shop will launch in September, and a refreshed CHP viewbook is in development to showcase programs for prospective students and partners.
The dean’s perspective
For Darragh, the town hall was a chance to set a tone as much as to share information. After the presentations, she reflected on her priorities.
“The feedback we receive is incredibly valuable. It drives our decision making, and it drives our prioritization, because in the Dean’s Office, we are here to serve the school. We’re here to serve the faculty, staff and the students,” she said.
“I think we are in a time of transformation. It’s a very exciting time for the college. We are innovating and blazing a future for ourselves that is built on the incredible talent of all of our faculty and staff.”