Grand Valley appoints Ning Zhang as health professions dean

ALLENDALE — Grand Valley State University has chosen the next leader of its College of Health Professions. Ning “Jackie” Zhang has been announced as the school’s next dean.

Zhang is currently the associate dean for academic affairs at the School of Health and Medical Sciences at Seton Hall University. He will begin his role at GVSU in July.

“I am thrilled and honored to serve as the next dean of the College of Health Professions at GVSU," Zhang stated. "I look forward to joining an exceptional team of administrators, faculty, staff, students and the entire Laker community to carry forward the strong tradition and achievements of the college.

“Together, we will improve academic excellence, diversity and partnerships to positively impact the health care and health of the West Michigan community and surrounding region."

Zhang earned a doctorate in health administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and his M.D. and master's degree in public health from Shandong University in China.

Zhang has published more than 80 scholarly papers and serves as editor-in-chief for the International Journal of Computational Medicine and Health. He has been a grant reviewer for the National Institute of Health, the CDC and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Acting dean Teresa Beck will return to her previous position as associate dean of the College of Health Professions upon Zhang's arrival.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Grand Valley State names Zhang as next College of Health Professions dean