New Dean of ASHS
Posted: August 26, 2010
Barbara Maxwell, D.P.T., ’06
Vice dean of ATSU-ASHS since 2007, Dr. Maxwell takes over as interim dean for former dean Randy Danielsen, who left ATSU-ASHS for the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Foundation at the end of June.
What she brings to the position: Dr. Maxwell has been with the university since 2003, beginning as associate professor of physical therapy. She holds a B.Sc. (Hon) in physiotherapy from the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland, a master’s degree in research methodology from King’s College (London University) in England, a certificate in teaching in higher education from Oxford Brookes University in England, and a doctor of physical therapy degree from ATSU. She held a research fellowship at the University of Kent, Canterbury, England.
Dr. Maxwell serves on numerous ATSU committees, including the University-Wide Assessment Committee. She has a consistent record of research, including numerous conference presentations and publications. In 2009 and again in 2010, she was named as a Top Woman in Business in the category of colleges and universities by Arizona Woman Magazine, and she received the Student Appreciation Award and the Faculty of the Year Award from the Arizona Campus Student Government Association.
What’s new: With Dr. Maxwell’s appointment, two of ATSU’s five deans are female.
Goals for her first year and long term: ATSU-ASHS is in the final stages of developing a five-year strategic plan, which has been developed with input from all 12 programs in the school. Dr. Maxwell looks forward to leading the school through the implementation phase, seeing these goals become a reality.
“It is also a very exciting time for us as a university,” she says. “I have enjoyed thoroughly the opportunity to participate in university-wide initiatives, such as the university-wide assessment committee. Through such collaborative efforts we build unity as a university, we learn from each other, and grow in knowledge, skills, and friendship. I am excited about the direction we are taking as a university and look forward to the challenges ahead.”
Most memorable ATSU moment: Graduation. “It doesn’t matter how many graduations I attend, I always find it to be a powerful experience.”