John McCarthy appointed interim dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professions

Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Sayrs has announced the appointment of Dr. John McCarthy as interim dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professions beginning Dec. 9, 2020.

This appointment follows current dean Randy Leite’s announcement that he intends to step down later this month.

McCarthy, who was recently elected Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice (NAP) in Speech-Language Pathology, currently serves as professor of communication sciences and disorders and associate dean of research in the College of Health Sciences and Professions.

“The health sciences and professions are critically important during this pandemic, and the work being accomplished in the college is central to Ohio University's mission as a public institution and continues to serve as a national model for health professions education,” Provost Sayrs said. “I am confident that John will provide strong leadership that supports continued advancement in teaching, research and scholarship, innovative academic programs, and community engagement over the next 18 months.”

McCarthy joined Ohio University in 2004. Prior to working as associate dean, he was the associate director of the Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders. McCarthy has worked on multi-year, funded research efforts to improve interprofessional education in the health professions. More recently, he was part of an interdisciplinary project to improve cultural competency and reduce implicit bias in health care workers using virtual reality. He also conducts research related to children with severe speech and physical disabilities who require computer-based and alternative forms of communication. He teaches courses on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and introduction to communication disorders.

McCarthy will continue in the interim dean role through the end of the 2021-2022 academic year or until a permanent dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professions is named.