Walsh University has announced the appointments of Michael Dunphy, Ph.D., as Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Jacqueline Novak, Ph.D., as the new Chair of the Division of Mathematics and Sciences.
Previously, Dr. Dunphy served as Chair of the Division of Mathematics and Sciences and will assume the interim duties of former School of Arts and Sciences Dean Ute Lahaie, Ph.D., who has been appointed Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment.
As Interim Dean, Dr. Dunphy will provide strategic leadership for the School and support the teaching, research and service efforts of the faculty, manage the school budget, and represent the School of Arts and Sciences within the broader community.
Dr. Michael Dunphy has a remarkable and diverse background as an educator, international speaker, published author and seasoned business consultant. He joined Walsh in 1981 as a part-time faculty member, a position he held until 1985 when he was hired as a full-time Assistant Professor of Chemistry. In 1990, Dr. Dunphy completed his doctoral studies in biochemistry and was promoted to Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Walsh. At that time, he was also awarded tenure and was promoted to Department Chair of the Natural Sciences Division. In 2000, Dr. Dunphy initiated Mike Dunphy Enterprises and left academia to pursue full-time professional speaking and facilitating. In 2004, by the request of the Provost, he returned to Walsh University and was re-instated as Professor of Biochemistry and Division Chair for Math & Sciences. Among his many accomplishments, he was honored in 2012 as Walsh University’s Educator of the Year.
Dr. Dunphy is a 45-year veteran in martial arts training, serves in his university teaching and leadership roles and is one of the most sought after speakers in leadership, conflict management and teambuilding in business and academia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Walsh, his Master of Science from Youngstown State University and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from The University of Akron.
Dr. Jackie Novak Named Chair of the Division of Mathematics and Sciences
As Division Chair, Dr. Novak will oversee Walsh’s Mathematics and Sciences division which provides high-quality educational experiences and programming in mathematics, computer science and the natural sciences to Walsh University students, faculty and staff. Housed within the School of Arts and Sciences, her responsibilities will include the support of student and faculty participation in scientific research, professional development and publication.
Dr. Novak joined Walsh in 2005 from the University of Pittsburgh where she served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and with the Magee-Women’s Research Institute. Dr. Novak is a nationally-recognized scientist and has served as the Chair of the Faculty Senate and the faculty representative for Walsh University to the NCAA. In addition to her many academic and professional achievements, Dr. Novak successfully secured a three-year, $356,556 research grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate the effects of the ovarian hormone relaxin in the treatment of post-menopausal coronary artery dysfunction. The NIH award was the first major federal grant for Walsh University.
She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Walsh University, her Master of Science degree from The University of Akron and her Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine.