Welcome from the Dean

As we begin a new year and a new semester, I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their commitment and deep appreciation for all that you do for our students, our college, and our community. 2025 was a year of hard work, continued change, and important progress. You balanced teaching, scholarship, service, accreditation, advising, and countless behind-the-scenes responsibilities—often while supporting students who are navigating complex challenges in their lives. You showed up with professionalism, creativity, and compassion. For that, I am sincerely grateful.

As we step into 2026, I am excited about the opportunities ahead for the College of Health & Human Services. This year will bring new students, new partnerships, and new ideas. My hope for the new Graduate Health Education Building in Saginaw is becoming a reality. We strive to bring new programs to the college to help provide more diverse opportunities for students. But with all that comes continued responsibility: to prepare graduates who are not only highly skilled, but also ethical, resilient, and committed to serving others. And especially now, the need for strong, thoughtful leaders in health care has never been greater as we navigate complex public health challenges, rapid technological advances, widening workforce shortages, and shifting expectations of what care should look like.

Our communities need leaders who can think critically, communicate with compassion, act ethically, and inspire others. When I look at this college, I see those future leaders—individuals ready to guide the health-care system forward with resilience, innovation, and heart. I know of no better group of people to support that mission than the faculty and staff in this college. Together, we will continue to: 

• Support student success through high-quality teaching, mentoring, and advising. 
• Strengthen our community and clinical partnerships. 
• Advance our programs and accreditation efforts. 
• Foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and well-being for all members of our college. 

I also hope this year brings each of you time and space for your own growth—whether that is through academic achievements, scholarship, professional development, new projects, or simply reclaiming moments of balance and joy outside of work and school. Your well-being matters, and it is essential to our college's success.

For our students, 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.

I am honored to serve as your dean and to work alongside all of you as we begin 2026 together.  Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy, peaceful, and fulfilling New Year. I look forward to all we will accomplish in the months ahead.

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