After serving 20 years as dean of the School of Allied Health Professions, Franceas L. Horvath, M.D. resigned earlier this summer.

Joan Hrubetz, Ph.D., R.N., Dean of the School of Nursing, was appointed interim dean while a search is conducted. She will serve as dean for both schools for at least a year.

“It really is an opportunity for me to serve the University that has been so good to me,” Hrubetz said.

Provost Sandra Johnson gathered the opinion of Allied Health faculty before naming an interim dean.

Department of Physical Therapy Chair Irma Ruebling said, “I think [Hrubetz] is an ideal person as she has the experience and also understands the University structure and organization.”

While essentially performing two jobs as once, Hrubetz thinks she can handle the task with the aid of her staff.

“There are excellent people in nursing who I really trust to do their work and help with mine,” Hrubetz said. “The people in Allied Health are so cooperative.”

Shirley Behr, Ph.D., chair of the Occupational Therapy Department, said that the faculty are enthused to cooperate with Hrubetz.

During this time of transition, Hrubetz thinks it is a really good time for the department chairs and administration to plan a direction for the school.

“I think we have a great opportunity to look at what our direction will be for the future,” Ruebling said.

Behr said, “We would hope that the school would be known for more collaboration with other departments and colleges, as well as being well known for research.”