Dr. Özlem Ersin has been named dean of the College of Health and Human Services at Eastern Illinois University (EIU), effective July 1.
Eastern provost and vice president of academic Dr. Jay Gatrell said that Ersin’s experience across the health sciences and human services field will be useful to the school as it focuses on areas important to the region such as workforce development, rural health and student learning outcomes.
“The faculty, staff and campus community appreciated Dr. Ersin’s vision for the newly realigned College, and I am especially excited about the unique energy, excitement and influence she is prepared to bring to the College of Health and Human Services,” Gatrell said.
Currently, Ersin serves as the associate dean and associate professor in the College of Health and Behavioral Studies at James Madison University. Ersin was also the founding head for JMU’s Department of Health Professions and was founding assistant department chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Manchester University.
She also previously served as a founding faculty member of the first master’s program in pharmacogenomics in the United States and as an adjunct member in computer careers at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
Before working in the health sciences and human services field, Ersin worked in information technology. She has established consulting operations in Europe and in the Middle East for a major international IT firm in addition to spearheading the creation of the first accredited online business program in Turkey, according to the Journal Gazette & Times Courier.
Ersin is involved in several organizations and is a member of the board of directors for a community health center in Virginia; a scientific adviser for children’s health initiatives in Allen County, Indiana; and is a member of the Minnesota Health Literacy Council.
“I envision great possibilities as EIU continues to contribute to the growth and development of the east central Illinois region and beyond,” Ersin said. “My family and I are excited to call Coles County our new home.”
