Loyola launches national search for next dean of Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health

A search committee of faculty, staff, and students will identify candidates for the next dean of Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health. Elaine Morrato, founding dean of Parkinson, announced in August that she would step down as dean effective September 1.

Jenny O’Rourke, associate dean of academic affairs, is serving as interim dean while the search is underway.

The 11-member committee is conducting a broad national search. The next dean will play a critical role in shaping the School’s future by advancing academic excellence, expanding strategic partnerships, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting faculty and student success, and furthering Loyola’s Jesuit mission of promoting health equity and serving vulnerable populations.

The committee will meet throughout the fall semester, conduct listening sessions with the Parkinson community this month, and finalist campus visits are anticipated in early spring 2027.

Margaret Faut Callahan, CRNA, PhD, FNAP, FAAN, serves as committee chair.

Members of the search committee are:   

Michèle Alexandre, JD, Professor and Dean, School of Law

Talar W. Markossian, PhD, Professor, Parkinson School of Public Health and Health Sciences

John Stys, DBe, Assistant Professor, Parkinson School of Public Health and Health Sciences

Keith Kramer, MS, Program Coordinator and Academic Advisor, Parkinson School of Public Health and Health Sciences

Azizah Mangxaba, Undergraduate Student, Parkinson School of Public Health and Health Sciences

Angelo Lebron, Graduate Student, Parkinson School of Public Health and Health Sciences

Cara Joyce, PhD, Assistant Professor, Stritch School of Medicine

Mary Byrn, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing

Meagan Spellman, Managing Director, Health Sciences, University Advancement

Claire Noonan, DMin, Vice President for Mission Integration