Welcome to the University of Kansas School of Health Professions.

It is an honor to serve as interim dean of the School of Health Professions, a community dedicated to improving lives through education, research, clinical practice and service. Every day, our students, faculty, staff and alumni make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of individuals and communities across Kansas and beyond.

The School of Health Professions plays a critical role in preparing the healthcare professionals who care for patients, advance healthcare delivery, and meet the evolving health needs of our communities. Through our nationally recognized programs and strong clinical partnerships, we are helping build the healthcare workforce that Kansas, the region and our nation need today and in the future. Our students are the future clinicians, researchers and leaders who will shape healthcare for generations to come.

Our faculty advance discovery through innovative research that informs practice, improves outcomes and expands opportunities for the communities we serve. Through mentorship and research training, they are preparing the next generation of researchers and healthcare leaders who will drive innovation in health and well-being.

Our school has grown significantly since its beginnings in the 1930s, evolving into a vibrant community of more than 800 students across certificate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. While much has changed over the decades, our mission remains clear: to educate exceptional health professionals, advance scientific discovery, and serve the people and communities who depend on a skilled and compassionate healthcare workforce.

What excites me most about the School of Health Professions is our opportunity to expand our impact. Healthcare workforce needs continue to grow, creating both challenges and opportunities for higher education and healthcare systems. Through innovation, collaboration and strategic growth, our school is well-positioned to help meet the growing workforce needs of Kansas and beyond by preparing more healthcare professionals, creating new pathways to education, and strengthening our partnerships.

The School of Health Professions is:

• Committed to preparing highly skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals through exceptional education and experiential learning.
• Focused on developing the healthcare workforce needed to serve Kansas, the Midwest and communities across the nation.
• Dedicated to advancing knowledge through innovative research and scholarship.
• Driven by interprofessional collaboration that reflects the realities of modern healthcare.
• Positioned for growth through strategic initiatives that expand opportunities for students, faculty, staff and partners.

As interim dean, I am committed to fostering a culture of engagement, transparency and accountability. The strength of our school comes from the people who make up our community, and I believe our future will be shaped by listening to a range of perspectives, making informed decisions and working together to advance our mission.

We consider it a privilege to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals and support the faculty and staff who make that mission possible. I invite you to explore our website to learn more about our programs, our people and the many ways the School of Health Professions is helping develop the healthcare workforce and improve health across Kansas and beyond.

Whether you are exploring educational opportunities, seeking a research partner, reconnecting as an alumnus, or learning more about our mission, I am grateful for your interest in the School of Health Professions. I look forward to connecting with you and sharing in the continued success of the School of Health Professions.

Jacob Sosnoff, Ph.D., FASAHP
Interim Dean, School of Health Professions