Nazareth Welcomes Brigid Noonan as School of Health and Human Services Dean
Nazareth College has named Brigid Noonan as its new dean for the School of Health and Human Services. Noonan comes to Nazareth with 20 years of experience as an academic, most recently as a professor at Stetson University in Orlando, Fla. Noonan begins as dean at Nazareth on July 1, 2015.
“What an exciting opportunity to bring new energy, vision, experience, and integrity to lead the School of Health and Human Services,” said Noonan. “I look forward to helping students achieve a sound education in the liberal arts and professional programs, contributing to evidence-based best practices, supporting faculty in their scholarly work, and advancing student success in making a difference in their own and global communities.”
She will oversee the School of Health and Human Services including the new Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute opening in Fall of 2015. Few colleges offer Nazareth’s array of health and human service programs including art therapy, music therapy, nursing, occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), social work and speech-language pathology. Nazareth students can complete a master’s degree in OT in five years and a doctorate in PT in six years.
Noonan received her bachelor’s degree in behavioral science at University College (Maryland); and both her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling; and her Ph.D. in counselor education at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Her path to academe was not the traditional route. She completed her undergraduate degree at age 27 and prior to finishing her graduate work, she held a variety of administrative and clinical positions including research psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health. After finishing her graduate work, she honed her leadership and teaching skills as an assistant professor and moved to Stetson University in 2003.
Noonan has more than 20 years of clinical experience and has maintained her private practice over the course of her academic career, specializing in adolescent issue, couples and family therapy, and GLBTQ issues. “I believe my clinical experience enhances my teaching and leadership abilities,” said Noonan.
For More Information
Julie Long, Nazareth Chief Public Relations Officer: (585) 389-2456; jlong2@naz.edu
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
