Changes in Purdue HHS Leadership

Written By: Denise Buhrmester, buhrmest@purdue.edu

Aaron Bowman, dean of Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS), has announced changes in HHS leadership.

Associate dean positions

Alex Francis, professor of speech, language, and hearing sciences, is the inaugural associate dean for undergraduate education, effective June 1, 2025. In this role, he will work with HHS deans, heads and directors to promote the excellence and vitality of the college’s undergraduate academic programs. Responsibilities associated with this position were previously overseen by Tom Berndt. Berndt retired as the HHS senior associate dean for academic affairs and administration, effective July 1.

Jonathan Shannahan, associate professor of health sciences, is the inaugural assistant dean for research development and innovation, effective June 16, 2025. In this newly established leadership role, Shannahan will collaborate with the dean, associate dean for research, and the heads of HHS’ nine departments and schools to strategically advance the college’s research mission.

Ceridwyn King, professor and White Lodging Services Head of Hospitality and Tourism Management, is the inaugural associate dean for Indianapolis and strategic initiatives, effective July 1, 2025. King will also continue in her position as head of the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Susie Swithers, former HHS associate dean for faculty affairs, oversaw HHS in Indianapolis previously.

Susan South, professor of psychological sciences, is the associate dean for faculty affairs, effective July 1, 2025. She succeeds Susie Swithers, who has returned full-time to the Psychological Sciences faculty. As associate dean, South will also take oversight of HHS faculty promotion and tenure which had been led by senior associate dean Tom Berndt, who retired from Purdue on June 30.

Head positions

Kim Kinzig, professor of psychological sciences, and interim head of the Department of Psychological Sciences since Nov. 13, 2023, is now the head of the Department of Psychological Sciences, effective March 24, 2025.

Jason Cannon, professor of health sciences, and acting head of the School of Health Sciences since Nov. 1, 2023, is the interim head of the School of Health Sciences, effective May 1, 2025.

Li-Shan Chou is the new head of the Department of Health and Kinesiology (HK), effective July 1, 2025. He succeeds Tim Gavin, who will remain on the HK faculty.

Mike Heinz, professor and associate head for research in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SLHS), will serve as interim head of SLHS, effective July 1, 2025. Heinz assumes the position from Jennifer Simpson, who will depart Purdue in late July to become dean of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University.

Libby Richards, professor of nursing, will serve as the interim head of the School of Nursing, effective Aug. 1, 2025. She has previously served as HHS dean’s fellow, providing leadership over online and graduate education, as well as HHS extramural awards. She replaces Nancy Edwards, who served as the head of the school and retired from Purdue on July 30.

Detailed announcements were shared with HHS faculty and staff via e-mail between March-June 2025. To request a copy of a specific announcement, please contact Denise Buhrmester.