new new The College ofAllied Health welcomed a new dean. In summer 2019, Dr. Beckie Weaver, former dean of the College of Allied Health, retired, and Dr. Michael McGalliard, associate professor of physical therapy, took her position. McGalliard was a founding member of Harding's physical therapy graduate program in 2010 and served as director of the physical therapy program. "I see a lot of great things that God is doing here at Harding, especially in the College ofAllied Health, and I just wanted to be a part of seeing that grow and help facilitate what God's doing here," McGalliard said. Dr. Kevin Ramey- associate professor, director and chair of the physical therapy program -- said there was a transitional phase with any change in leadership, but he saw the change as a strengthening process. Ramey said there was a diverse set ofknowledge between all the various leaders in the College of Allied Health. "It is nice having a dean that is a physical therapist and knows our needs," Ramey said. McGalliard said it was difficult to leave something he started, but he knew the physical therapy program was in good hands. McGalliard said there was an extra level of complexity that came with being the new dean because of the varied policies and procedures in undergraduate and graduate degrees. Dr. Melanie Meeker, chair of communication sciences and disorders, said McGalliard plugged himself into their field of study. "He wants to know about our field and programs, which has made him a great team player," Meeker said. McGalliard said his job was to understand the different programs and facilitate their success. Meeker said it was a smooth transition from Weaver and McGalliard, and McGalliard brought new ideas to the college. Meeker said she was excited about these changes for future students. McGalliard said he believed Harding's program should offer something unique. In the physical therapy program, students in their third year were required to take a medical mission class in Zambia. McGalliard called the class transformational education and believed it helped in producing a specific type of graduate. McGalliard said most universities only required informational learning, but with the requirement of a transformational course, Harding students left with a broadened worldview. "I would love to see more of the mission's aspect being emphasized in our health sciences," McGalliard said. "I think that will enhance our educational experience that we offer, and it will help us draw more students." McGalliard said he was thankful for administrators who were supportive of his mission-focused vision and students who wanted to make a difference. story by Kylie Jones 104
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