Ning "Jackie" Zhang announced as dean of the College of Health Professions

Interim Provost Chris Plouff announced the appointment of Ning "Jackie" Zhang as the next dean of the College of Health Professions. Zhang is currently the associate dean for academic affairs at the School of Health and Medical Sciences at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. 

Zhang earned a doctorate in health administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and his M.D. and master's degree in public health from Shandong University in China.

“Dr. Zhang is an experienced academic and administrator who is deeply committed to supporting a strong educational journey for our learners," said Plouff. "We look forward to his leadership at the College of Health Professions.”

In his role as the associate dean for academic affairs at Seton Hall University, Zhang supervised the successful re-accreditations of multiple departments and the establishment of new master’s, bachelor’s and certificate programs. He has published over 80 scholarly papers and serves as the editor-in-chief for the International Journal of Computational Medicine and Health and sits on editorial boards for multiple journals. Zhang received over $4 million research funding from federal and state government agencies as well as foundation and corporate organizations. He has been a grant reviewer for the National Institute of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

A campus committee was established to guide the national search for the position. The 11-member committee was composed of faculty and staff members and was chaired by Ed Aboufadel, associate vice president for academic affairs.

Aboufadel said Zhang embodies the mission and values of the university.

“We are looking forward to having Dr. Zhang join the Grand Valley community," said Aboufadel. "He is energetic and optimistic, with an expansive view of how the College of Health Professions can evolve. To his new role, he will bring valuable experiences working in administration, obtaining grants and collaborating with external partners.”

Zhang said he plans to bring a transformative, entrepreneurial and mission-driven approach to his work at Grand Valley.

“I am thrilled and honored to serve as the next dean of the College of Health Professions at GVSU," said Zhang. "I look forward to joining an exceptional team of administrators, faculty, staff, students and the entire Laker community to carry forward the strong tradition and achievements of the college. Together, we will improve academic excellence, diversity and partnerships to positively impact the health care and health of the West Michigan community and surrounding region."