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New Mexico State University announces the appointment of Dr. Tilahun Adera as the dean of the College of Health and Social Services (CHSS) effective July 1, 2009.
Adera comes to NMSU from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine where he is senior associate dean for public health and a professor of epidemiology and community health.
"I am honored to be the next dean of the College of Health and Social Services at New Mexico State University. I am tremendously impressed by the breadth and depth of accomplishments at the university," Adera said. "Working with partners to improve the health and well-being of all New Mexicans will be a major priority. In addition, we will continue to be committed to education, research and service excellence."
Adera has identified several goals for CHSS he hopes to accomplish:
- Build on existing strengths of CHSS by strengthening the teaching and research missions.
- Increase the quality of students entering CHSS.
- Recruit and retain high-caliber research and teaching faculty.
- Create additional advanced degree programs.
- Increase external funding for CHSS.
As the interim dean of NMSU’s College of Health and Social Services, Robert Rhodes says he will continue to build on the college’s numerous strengths and work toward a more collaborative CHSS.
Rhodes has a number of initiatives he wants to implement over the next six months that he says will help move CHSS to the next level. He feels he brings a fresh perspective to this position, but knows there will be challenges ahead.
“I am extremely impressed with the quality of the programs and faculty at CHSS,” Rhodes said. “I am looking forward to developing the college’s infrastructure and working across programs to build a stronger college.” Robert Rhodes
Some of Rhodes’ priorities include broadening the search for several college department head positions. He plans to continue to develop new degree programs. He also wants to work on resource development and move forward with capital improvement projects, specifically the CHSS annex building.
“CHSS has been doing a tremendous job in helping to improve the individual health of New Mexicans and grow a culturally competent health and service workforce. I want to continue to build on these successes,” Rhodes said.
Rhodes is working closely with the new dean, Tilahun Adera, on these initiatives until Adera takes over the position on July 1, 2009. After Rhode’s tenure at CHSS is complete, he hopes to return as department head of NMSU’s Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders.