Purdue College of Health and Human Sciences appoints permanent leaders for Schools of Nursing and Health Sciences

Written By: Casey Dexter, casey38@purdue.edu

Writing/editing Contributed By: Denise Buhrmester, buhrmest@purdue.edu

The Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) has named two accomplished faculty members to permanent leadership positions within the college. Effective July 1, 2026, Elizabeth “Libby” Richards has been appointed head of the School of Nursing, and Jason Cannon has been appointed head of the School of Health Sciences.

Richards and Cannon have each served in interim leadership roles, where they demonstrated strategic leadership; a commitment to faculty and student success; and a vision for advancing their respective schools through excellence in education, research and community engagement.

“These appointments reflect the exceptional leadership, dedication and vision that professors Cannon and Richards have already demonstrated while serving in their interim roles,” said Aaron Bowman, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. “Both have earned the confidence of their colleagues through thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to both HHS’ and Purdue’s missions. I look forward to seeing each school continue to thrive under their guidance.”

Jason Cannon named head of the School of Health Sciences

Cannon assumes the permanent role after serving as acting head beginning Nov. 1, 2023, and as interim head since May 1, 2025. During that time, he oversaw an annual operating budget of approximately $3.6 million and more than $7.5 million in annual research expenditures while leading a school comprising more than 60 direct reports and 125 indirect reports.

Under Cannon’s leadership, the School of Health Sciences has recruited new faculty and staff, secured additional research space and established a newly endowed faculty position. Prior to serving as school head, Cannon was assistant vice provost for interdisciplinary graduate programs, where he managed graduate fellowship programs, led initiatives that increased domestic graduate enrollment, and provided leadership for interdisciplinary graduate programs and the Office of Postdoctoral Scholars.

An internationally recognized toxicologist, Cannon is a tenured professor whose research examines how environmental toxic exposures affect neurological function and contribute to diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. His research program is supported by multimillion-dollar funding from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Cannon earned his doctoral degree from the University of Michigan and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases. He has authored more than 75 peer-reviewed publications, serves on multiple scientific journal editorial boards, and is an internationally sought-after speaker, educator and mentor.

Elizabeth “Libby” Richards named head of the School of Nursing

Richards has served as interim head of the School of Nursing since Aug. 1, 2025. During her tenure, she has emphasized faculty development, student wellness and strategic planning while guiding the school through a period of continued growth.

Richards has held numerous leadership positions at Purdue, including director of the Nursing PhD program from 2020-25, dean’s fellow for graduate education and online programs, and chair of the University Senate Steering Committee for six years. She is also leading planning and implementation efforts for the university’s new Nursing and Pharmacy Education Building, working closely with architects and campus partners to shape the facility’s future learning and research environments.

As director of the North Central Nursing Clinics, Richards recently secured an $8.82 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to expand regional clinical services, building on more than $1.5 million in previous HRSA funding she helped obtain.

A tenured professor of nursing, Richards earned her doctorate in health promotion from Purdue University and a master’s degree in nursing from the former Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Her research focuses on population health, wellness and physical activity interventions and has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, the American Nurses Foundation, and Purdue’s Center for Aging and the Life Course.

Richards has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and is widely recognized for translating public health research for broad audiences through national media outlets and The Conversation. Her teaching and service have earned numerous honors, including induction into Purdue’s Book of Great Teachers, the Charles B. Murphy Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching, and fellow status in both the American Academy of Nursing and the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education.

With Richards and Cannon assuming permanent leadership roles, the College of Health and Human Sciences is positioned to build on its strengths in research, teaching and community impact while advancing the university’s strategic priorities in health and human well-being.