CHS Fall Kick-off Celebrates New Semester

By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director

Presenting a message of incremental growth, maintaining culture and preparing the population for the move to the new Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building, CHS Dean Phillip Gribble utilized his first "College Kick-off" to provide updates to faculty and staff on topics of the day.

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, dozens of College of Health Sciences faculty and staff came out to the Karpf Auditorium to listen to Gribble's first address, which the Dean admitted he was excited to give. Gribble was named Dean of the college, effective July 1. 

"I'm thrilled to be able to be here today," Gribble said, noting that the first three months of his tenure have featured just a few crazy days. "Thanks to a lot of you supporting me," he said, he's been able to get through them. 

Still, times are good in the College of Health Sciences. 

Gribble reported that freshman enrollment has continued its strong growth, with a 37 percent increase over the last five years, and graduate enrollment is also up for the second consecutive year. 

He also congratulated those who were new hires, newly promoted and retired.

After each department then shared updates, Gribble then explained his Vision Plan for the College, which includes maintaining the culture of CHS, including a familial feel with academic excellence, expanding research and continuing to serve the mission of the College, which is to help improve the health of the people of the Commonwealth. 

Again preaching incremental growth, he noted how the College has expanded by adding 750 students (75 percent) over the last 12 years, a much more measured approach should be taken now. Gribble suggests 15 percent more growth (300 more students) over the next five years.

While noting that growth is an overall positive, Gribble said "we don't want to let it become something that separates us." 

Overall, he called the future of CHS "a tremendous opportunity."