Oct. 29, 2010 | Oct 29, 2010 | Experienced academic health sciences administrator Douglas L. Murphy, Ph.D., has been named dean of the College of Health Related Professions at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

Murphy, currently serving as interim dean of the School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, brings more than 10 years experience as an administrator. He will succeed Ronald Winters, Ph.D., who is retiring. Murphy will begin in his new role as dean on Feb. 15, 2011.

The College of Health Related Professions offers 26 degrees and certificates across 18 professions from audiology to surgical technology. The college had an enrollment of 665 students for the 2010-2011 academic year, including those registered in graduate-level programs through the UAMS Graduate School.

“Dr. Murphy’s background in academic leadership and the allied health professions makes him a perfect fit for our college,” said UAMS Chancellor Dan Rahn, M.D. “Dr. Winters led the college to significant growth in enrollment and programs and we are grateful for his exemplary leadership. We wish him well in his retirement.”

Murphy has served as associate dean at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio since 1999 and is the school’s key administrative officer for academic and student affairs. He also is an active faculty member in the departments of Occupational Therapy and Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

He completed his undergraduate training at the University of Montana in Bozeman and received his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Kansas in Lawrence. He has authored or co-authored numerous books and book chapters and has published extensively.

He is principal investigator in a two-year grant seeking to create a model education pipeline program for minority students entering the allied health professions.

Murphy is president of the Texas Society of Allied Health Professions and a member of the Global Health Initiatives Task Force of the University of Texas System. He is an institutional member representative of the Allied Health Research Institute, a member of the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions and of the American Psychological Association.