Rutgers School of Health Professions is proud to announce that Alma Merians, professor, associate dean, and former longtime chair of the Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences, has been chosen as the gonfalonier honoree for this academic year.

Each year, the title of gonfalonier is bestowed upon a faculty member who has made significant contributions to SHP or to their broader field. As gonfalonier, Merians will lead the faculty procession at both SHP’s convocation and the Rutgers University commencement ceremonies.

In her nomination, Nancy Kirsch, professor and department chair, highlighted Merian’s transformative 40-year tenure at SHP, and her role in advancing education, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Under her leadership, the Physical Therapy program rose from probationary status to national recognition. She also spearheaded the creation of Newark Therapy Services, bringing vital occupational and physical therapy support services to Newark schools.

Merian is particularly well known for strengthening interprofessional education across the school, most recently launching a novel interprofessional online gaming course which is required of every student at SHP.

As interim dean in 2022, Merians helped solidify SHP’s leadership structure and improved communication throughout the school. Her service in National Institutes of Health study sections—which are grant review groups comprised of panels of expert scientists—has elevated SHP’s national research presence, and her early support for a simplified admissions system helped modernize the school’s applicant process.

Merians also played a central role in launching both the Occupational Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology programs within the Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences.

“Dr. Merian’s career has left an indelible mark on SHP and the broader Rutgers community. The 2025 Gonfalonier honor is a fitting recognition of her remarkable contributions to the school, its students, and the health professions,” said Dean Jeffrey DiGiovanni.