University of Vermont Provost and Senior Vice President Patricia Prelock today announced the appointment of Noma Anderson, Ph.D., as dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS).

Anderson has built a reputation as a successful leader in the health professions, most recently as dean of the College of Health Professions at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for six years and special adviser to the University of Tennessee System president on diversity and inclusion. Under her leadership the college expanded its student body, developed a more student-centric culture, updated its curriculum and programs, significantly increased its external funding, and extended its community outreach. Anderson is a past professor and chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Florida International University, where she also served as dean in the School of Health Sciences. Prior to that, Anderson was a chair for ten years and on the faculty for 16 years in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

“Dr. Anderson is a strong proponent of interprofessional education and collaborative practice and creating meaningful educational experiences for students,” said Prelock. “She impressed the search committee with her understanding of UVM’s commitment to student success and access, engagement with the community and building on our research strengths—areas where she has a significant track record. Dr. Anderson’s entrepreneurial mindset resonates with the innovative spirit so central to our UVM community and I have no doubt that she will be an exceptional leader and member of our community.”

President Garimella said of her appointment, “We are delighted that Dr. Anderson is joining the University of Vermont as dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Her forward focused and student-centered approach are in keeping with UVM’s values, and her proven ability to build synergies across disciplines aligns with the Amplifying Our Impact strategic vision. I look forward to the impact she will have as we continue to advance our leadership in the areas of healthy societies and a healthy environment.”

Anderson said, “I am both excited and honored about being selected as the new dean of the college. I look forward to working with the outstanding students, faculty and staff in CNHS as the college forges a powerful path into the future. I am also excited about joining the University of Vermont. When I see the university’s commitment to education, research, health, the environment, equity and inclusion, I view UVM as an institution with values that are important to me. I look forward to serving the college and the university in a meaningful way.”

Anderson significantly increased the UTHSC external funding, established a physician assistant program that addressed a state need and transitioned a college that had been primarily focused on teaching into a contemporary college that also contributed to scholarship and research. Anderson was a strong mentor to faculty and sought opportunities to support both faculty and staff in their professional development. She was instrumental her last four years at UTHSC driving diversity efforts for the system.

Anderson has had a significant cultural impact on the profession of communication sciences and disorders. She authored a seminal book in her profession, “Introduction to Human Communication Disorders,” now in its eighth edition. In 1992, Dr. Anderson was named a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and in 2015 she received the ASHA Honors of the Association Award, the highest award given by ASHA, in recognition of distinguished and exceptional contributions to the field of speech, language, and hearing. Anderson was also the 2007 President of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.

Anderson will join UVM on Feb. 1, 2021.