Dr. Janelle O’Connell named Dean of new College of Health Professions

(ABILENE, Texas)–Hardin-Simmons University is proud to announce that Dr. Janelle O’Connell will act as the Dean of the College of Health Professions beginning in the coming school year. The university recently announced the creation of the new college, which will contain current programs such as Master of Physician Assistant, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Athletic Training, and Communication Sciences & Disorders.

An athletic training student wraps an injured ankle.

“Hardin-Simmons continues to be an innovator in establishing professional healthcare programs at small, private, liberal arts institutions, where we feel a responsibility to provide an opportunity to train women and men in a Christian environment to meet the health needs of our growing and aging population,” stated Dr. Chris McNair, provost, and chief academic officer at HSU.

Dr. Janelle O’Connell, a founding member of the HSU Physical Therapy Department, was named the PT Program Director in 1999.

The creation of the college “signifies growth and unity for the Hardin-Simmons campus,” said O’Connell. “The opportunity for the health science programs to be housed within one college will allow for engagement in interprofessional education and servant-leadership activities which will be a tremendous asset for all the programs and the Abilene community.”

Education has been a big part of O’Connell’s career. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Central Michigan University in 1977, a Master of Arts in exercise physiology from Kent State University in 1979, and a Doctoral degree in health promotion and disease prevention from the University of Toledo in 1984. In 1997, O’Connell received a Master of Physical Therapy followed by a Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2008, both from Hardin-Simmons University.

The Physical Therapy building, formerly known as AbLabs, underwent renovations last year to provide a state of the art space for students.

Although there will not be a change in location, the creation of this college is a positive step to enhancing the curriculum for programs in health professions. While no new programs have will be introduced for the college, the creation of it will benefit those in the included programs and new energy to campus.

“The new College of Health Professions at HSU will enable our students in these programs to work in harmony with each other and to prepare for careers that are very much in demand in our community, in Texas, and across the country,” McNair explained.

The start date for the College of Health Professions has been set for August 15, 2019.