Radford University appoints Teresa Ann Conner, Ph.D. as Associate Provost for Health Sciences
Radford University has appointed Teresa Ann Conner, PT, Ph.D., MBA to serve in the position of Associate Provost for Health Sciences effective December 2, 2019. Conner has approximately 20 years of experience in higher education as a professor and academic leader at large, multi-campus research institutions, including East Carolina University, Elon University, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem State University and the University of North Georgia (UNG). Conner currently serves as founding Dean and Professor in the College of Health Sciences and Professions at UNG, the state’s seventh largest public university, offering more than 100 programs of study across five campuses to more than 18,000 students. UNG was established in 2013 through a merger of North Georgia College and State University and Gainesville State College.
As founding Dean at UNG, Conner established two new programs, the Doctor of Nursing Practice, or DNP, and the Healthcare Services and Informatics Administration, or HCSIA, along with two new tracks in the Counseling program and an international post-professional track in the Doctor of Physical Therapy, or DPT, program. She led her faculty in the architectural planning process to redesign a 73,000 square foot hospital to serve as the new home for the college; supported the development and expansion of two pro bono clinics and a proposal for an inter-professional practice clinic; created a leadership organizational structure; developed and implemented a five-year strategic plan through shared governance; developed a college constitution through shared governance; appointed a diversity and inclusion officer; developed website and newsletter communication for the college; created a clinical practice plan and clinical track policy; secured new space for the counseling program; secured funding to develop state-of-the-art human movement, virtual reality, balance and cell culture labs; and secured physical and virtual spaces for a nursing program expansion, as well as a second allocation of additional space for a new facility in an expansion site.
Radford University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. stated, “As part of a public-private partnership between Carilion Clinic and Radford University, resulting in the establishment and operation of Radford University Carilion, it was critically important to conduct a comprehensive and national search in order to find a visionary leader to further advance the University’s health sciences clinical, educational and research experience and infrastructure in both the New River Valley and the Roanoke Valley. Dr. Conner has a proven record of exemplary service and positive results in various health sciences settings. Dr. Conner will serve as a catalyst to continue the great collaboration and strong partnership needed to make significant strides in producing greater numbers of highly-qualified and well-prepared healthcare professionals.”
Carilion Clinic Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Jeanne Armentrout said, “We were looking for an individual who would carry our partnership forward. We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Conner. She’ll make a great addition to Radford University Carilion’s growing health sciences campus and the work we will do together.”
Radford University Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Kenna M. Colley, Ed.D. added, “At Radford University, the academic enterprise and research footprint continue to expand in new and profound ways. The selection of Dr. Conner, in the new role of Associate Provost for Health Sciences, is yet another significant step forward. I am confident that Dr. Conner will lead the University’s health sciences operation with the expertise and leadership necessary to propel us to unprecedented heights in the months and years to come.”
Artis College of Science and Technology Dean Orion Rogers, Ph.D. shared, “I was honored to participate in this search and lead the process with strong support from a broad-based and highly-collaborative Committee. Like the Search Committee, the campus community, in both Radford and Roanoke, embraced the opportunity to participate in this important process. I am thrilled for Dr. Conner to join the Radford family, and I look forward to working with her as we further our commitment to the delivery of health sciences programming, outreach and research in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.”
The Associate Provost for Health Sciences Search Committee members were: Carilion Clinic Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Jeanne Armentrout; Waldron College of Health and Human Services Associate Dean and Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders Corey Cassidy, Ph.D.; Administrative and Professional Faculty Senate President Ashlee Claud; Faculty Senate President and Professor of Anthropological Sciences Jake Fox, Ph.D.; Department Chair, Program Director and Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Brent Harper, D.P.T.; Associate Professor of Management and Faculty Senate Vice President Vernard Harrington, Ph.D.; School Director and Professor of Social Work Diane Hodge, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor of Nursing and RN-BSN Coordinator Katie Katz, D.N.P; Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Danny Kemp; Director for the Center for Diversity and Inclusion LaShan Lovelace; Waldron College of Health and Human Services Associate Dean Glen Mayhew, D.H.Sc.; Student Government Association President Colleen McNickle; Department Chair and Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders Diane Millar, Ph.D.; Staff Senate Representative Karen Montgomery; Interim School Director and Professor of Nursing Iris Mullins, Ph.D.; Department Chair, Program Director and Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Sara Nicely, D.H.Ed; Department Chair of Clinical Health Professions and Program Director and Associate Professor of Respiratory Therapy Chase Poulsen, Ph.D.; Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer Chad Reed; Chief of Staff and Vice President for University Relations Ashley Schumaker; Interim Department Chair and Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Sarah Smidl, Ph.D.; Department Chair and Associate Professor of Public Health and Healthcare Leadership Diana Willeman-Buckelew, Ph.D.
As Associate Provost for Health Sciences at Radford University, Conner will play a significant role at Radford University, primarily in the Waldron College of Health and Human Services, and will divide time between the main campus in Radford, Virginia and Radford University Carilion in Roanoke, Virginia. In being selected for this leadership role, Conner said, “Radford University is a unique institution with a storied history and a bright future. Radford provides a diverse offering of high-quality programs and high-touch services to current and future students. I look forward to joining a campus and a community dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences in a diverse and inclusive environment that is focused on meeting the needs of the region and the nation.”
Conner earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy and Cell Biology from East Carolina University; a Master of Business Administration from Elon University; a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from East Carolina University; and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Queens College.