New Dean Appointed to Lead Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Taught by UMass Boston Bo Fernhall, PhD, from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), to head the newly renamed Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences and serve as professor of Exercise Health Science, effective August 15, 2022.
Dr. finished. Fernhall is in his eleventh year as dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences (AHS) at UIC. During that time, he led remarkable growth and development for AHS while taking a collaborative and focused team approach to elevate college standing and performance. The college added five new academic programs, nearly doubled undergraduate enrollment, and increased overall enrollment by 50 percent — all while differentiating the student body in significant ways.
“I am confident that Manning College will benefit greatly from Dr. Fernhall’s proven vision, management skills, commitment to shared management, recent program progress, and excellent track record of accomplishment. in scholarship and leadership, ”he said. Joseph Berger, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, in an email notification to the campus community. “Dr. explained. Fernhall will be a huge asset to our entire university as we launch a new strategic plan and as we navigate new heights of success in the future.
At AHS, Drs. Fernhall is investing in student success initiatives, which have resulted in AHS achieving the highest graduation rate for UIC undergraduate students in the past three years. AHS’s reputation has also increased significantly as eight academic programs are in the top 10 for national rankings, four of which are in the top five.
“I am very excited to join Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences,” Dean Fernhall said. “I can’t wait to work with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners to enhance and strengthen the college’s role in preparing outstanding students and improving the health of our community, the city. in Boston, and in the state by providing access to an excellent education for our talented students, addressing health inequalities and new discoveries that lead to better health and quality in life. “
Dr. Fernhall came to UIC from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he was a professor of kinesiology and community health, and where he served as associate dean for research and academic affairs. Past positions have included serving as professor and chair in the Exercise Science Department at Syracuse University and additional academic and administrative appointments at institutions such as George Washington University Medical Center and the University of Rhode Island.
He is a renowned scholar with expertise in the field of exercise physiology, especially in people with disabilities, with nearly three decades of experience in managing cardiac rehabilitation programs and conducting research on cardiovascular function. and lifelong health. He is the author or co -author of more than 370 refereed manuscripts and has received more than $ 20 million in external research support from the NIH, Department of Homeland Security, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, American Heart Association , and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. . He is a fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology, American Heart Association, American College of Sports Medicine, and American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. He also currently serves as president-elect of the National Academy of Kinesiology.
About UMass Boston
TThe University of Massachusetts Boston is deeply rooted in the city’s history, but is ready to meet the challenges of the future. Known for innovative research, Boston’s metropolitan university offers a diverse population of students a close-knit learning environment and plenty of experience in a great American city. UMass Boston’s colleges and graduate schools serve 16,000 students while engaging local and global constituents through academic programs, research centers, and public service. To learn more, visit www.umb.edu.
