The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Health Professions named its new dean, Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D., M.T., (ASCP). Rice-Spearman joined TTUHSC School of Health Professions in 1987 as an instructor in the school’s clinical and laboratory science department. Since then, Rice-Spearman has remained a faculty member, program director, department chair and associate dean for learning outcomes and assessment.

Within her role as associate dean, Rice-Spearman was responsible for managing the School of Health Professions’ strategic plan and coordinating its Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation. Additionally, Rice-Spearman oversaw the development, management and assessment of the school’s general education competency programs, implemented interprofessional teamwork initiatives and maintained compliance with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board mandates.

In her leadership role in the School of Health Professions, Rice-Spearman has worked collaboratively in establishing opportunities and relationships within TTUHSC to strengthen the school and the university. She chaired the TTUHSC General Education Competencies Workgroup comprised of faculty from the School of Nursing, School of Health Professions and staff from the Office of Institutional Planning and Assessment to establish processes and benchmarks for demonstrating compliance with mandates from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Currently, Rice-Spearman serves on the Permian Basin Advisory Board and is the president-elect for the Texas Society of Allied Health Professionals.

Rice-Spearman succeeds the School of Health Professions’ previous dean, Robin Satterwhite, Ed.D., MBA, FACHE. TTUHSC President Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., said that Rice-Spearman is uniquely qualified to lead the school.

“Dr. Rice-Spearman’s distinguished career as an administrative leader and educator make her ideally suited to help the School of Health Professions chart an ambitious course for the future,” Mitchell said.