Expert Clinician and Researcher Appointed Interim Dean
Rutgers University School of Health Professions has selected renowned educator Alma Merians, PT, Ph.D., and chair of the Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences to lead and serve as interim dean while a national search for a permanent dean is conducted. Dr. Merians’ appointment became effective on October 24, 2022.
“We are so fortunate to have such a strong educator and gifted leader in Dr. Merians to carry the School of Health Professions (SHP) forward during this transition,” said Gwendolyn Mahon, Ph.D., former dean of the School of Health Professions, who recently was appointed provost and senior vice-president of academic affairs at the University of New England. “I am confident SHP will continue a trajectory of success for years to come.”
During her 18 years as department chair, Dr. Merians has overseen the growth of the faculty from five to 36 members. Notably, this department was one of the first state universities to offer entry-level doctoral education for physical therapists. The department recently opened a master’s in Speech and Language Pathology and a doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Dr. Merians also founded Newark Therapy Services which provides children in Newark public schools with much-needed therapeutic services in these specialties.
“I am excited to embark on this new role. I have served SHP in many capacities, as a faculty member, a program director, a chair, and an associate dean. However, I think of myself primarily as an educator and my primary goal is to maintain the current high educational standards of SHP and provide the environment for the faculty to achieve that goal,” said Dr. Merians.
In addition to her administrative and educational leadership roles, Dr. Merians is a recognized researcher and clinical expert in upper extremity motor control post-stroke. The author of over 48 manuscripts and book chapters, she is often invited to speak internationally and serve on National Institutes of Health study sections. A recipient of the SHRP Research Award and two conferences’ best paper awards, she has been R01 grant funded and recently submitted a renewal grant.
In his announcement of Dr. Merians appointment, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Chancellor, Brian L. Strom said, “The growth and development of the School of Health Professions over the past seven years has been a point of pride for Rutgers University. Its rising national reputation, expanding clinical enterprise, enhanced opportunities for faculty development and fulfillment, and a growing body of research point to an even brighter future. We are confident that Dr. Merians will work diligently to maintain this positive trajectory as the School begins this next chapter in its history.”
Dr. Alma Merians received her degree in physical therapy from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in Pathokinesiology from New York University.