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College of Health Sciences Dean Announcement (June 2009)
Colleagues, I am very pleased to announce that Dr. Chukuka S. Enwemeka has accepted the position of Dean of the College of Health Sciences, effective August 1, 2009. Dr. Enwemeka comes to us from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), Old Westbury, NY, where he is Professor and Dean of the School of Health Professions, Behavioral and Life Sciences. Before joining NYIT in 2003, he served as Professor and Chairman of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, from 1993 to 2003. He also held faculty positions at University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida and at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Chukuka received his B.S. and M.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, and the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, respectively. He earned his Ph.D. in Pathokinesiology from New York University (NYU), and did his post-doctoral research training at NYU’s Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine. Chukuka is one of the world’s foremost authorities in the area of photoengineering of tissue repair process with visible and near infra-red light and lasers. He has authored more than 85 research papers, monographs, and book chapters, and has presented more than 300 papers, seminars, symposia, and workshops nationally and internationally as a visiting professor, invited presenter, or keynote speaker. In addition to securing millions of dollars in external grant funding, Chukuka has served and continues to serve on grant review committees for agencies such as the NIH, the Office of Special Education, U.S. Department of Education, the National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), the Research Grant Council of Hong Kong, and the Medical Research Council of South Africa. He is the recipient of many national and international honors and awards, including the Presidency of the World Association of Laser Therapy, Chairmanship of the NIH National Advisory Board on Medical Rehabilitation Research, and Fellowships in the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. He served as Editor-in-Chief of Laser Therapy, and currently serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the international journal, Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. As an accomplished administrator, Chukuka has successfully developed, implemented, and administered large academic and research programs, supporting and mentoring dozens of junior faculty, graduate students, and research associates. He has worked to create innovative student learning experiences and vibrant research programs while working collaboratively with local and international partners. Chukuka’s vision, reputation, experience, and enthusiasm for UWM combine to make him a great choice for the College of Health Sciences and for the University. From the advice I've received from within the University and from community stakeholders, I am confident that he will work with the faculty, staff, and students to advance research, undergraduate and graduate education, and make significant contributions to the economic development of SE Wisconsin. Bringing a dean search to a successful conclusion is a highly collaborative task, and the Chancellor and I wish to thank the Chair of the Search Committee, Professor Nadya Fouad, the members of the Committee, staff support, and all those who attended the candidate forums for their input during the search process. I also thank Dean Johannes Britz for his service this academic year as Interim Dean of the College. Sincerely, Rita Cheng |
