Welcome from the Dean

It is hard to believe the fall semester is in full swing. I hope the first week went well for everyone. We are proud of our accomplishments from last year and excited for what lies ahead. AY 24–25 has also brought some sadness with the loss of two of our faculty members, Dr. Rachel Darr and Dr. Michael Heron. These losses remain very raw for many of us as we move into the fall semester. Both were deeply valued members of our academic community, respected colleagues, dedicated educators, and cherished friends. Their contributions to the college and the lives of their students were profound, and their absence is deeply felt. As we remember and honor their legacies, may we also find strength in one another and continue to support our community with the same compassion and commitment they embodied. 

I hope you took time to reflect, recharge, and enjoy meaningful moments with your families this summer. I wanted to share some news to you all, as I have decided to step back from my role as Dean after the AY 25-26 year. At that time, I plan to exercise my option to transition to the faculty as a Professor of Public Health. This decision is bittersweet. Serving as Dean over the past four years has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career. Together, we’ve achieved a great deal—from expanding community engagement on campus with the purchase of an outdoor fitness facility to be completed in Spring 2026, to supporting the development of the Graduate Health Professions Building in Downtown Saginaw as part of the Medical Diamond program. I’m especially proud of the establishment of the Malcolm Field Biomedical Science Research Institute, which I believe will serve as a catalyst for new academic programs and certificate offerings. I remain confident in the strong partnerships we’ve built and in the bright future ahead for both SVSU and our college. I have no doubt that the important work we’ve started will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come. It has been an incredible honor to serve as your Dean, and I look forward to the next chapter with both gratitude and excitement. 

A commitment to community has always been at the heart of our college. Whether your interests lie in the health sciences, social work, kinesiology, occupational therapy, or nursing, as a student at the SVSU you will enjoy a rewarding educational experience enriched by collaboration with peers and mentors from an extraordinary range of personal and professional backgrounds. As you gain the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience that prepare you for a career that makes a real difference to the health and well-being of people within the region, state, and beyond, you will also form a lifelong network of friends and colleagues.  

Our students, faculty, and staff provide tremendous services, deliver care, and translate new discoveries for the many populations we serve. Research and service learning are embedded within our academic programs to ensure students can experience evidence-based practice across the lifespan. I want to thank all of you for your perseverance throughout the semester. Advancements in health technology, improvements in standards of practice, and expanding health care roles continue to create new opportunities for graduates of the health professions. We pride ourselves on the ability to produce highly qualified and competitive candidates that are sought out by employers. We invite you to visit us and experience all our college has to offer. We are interested in creating partnerships that can ensure the health and wellbeing of the many communities we serve.  

We believe that together we can be better! 

Dr. Marcia Mastracci Ditmyer
Dean, College of Health & Human Services