WesternU College of Allied Health Professions names new Department of Health Sciences Chair

Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Allied Health Professions has named Gail Evans Grayson, EdD, as the new Chair of the Department of Health Sciences.

Evans Grayson has taught in the Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) program at Western University of Health Sciences as an adjunct professor for the past 11 years and brings a wealth of experience in leadership, management, strategic planning, skills enhancement training, and teaching to her new role.

“Dr. Evans Grayson’s expertise will expand beyond health sciences by assisting the college in new program endeavors,” said CAHP Dean Stephanie Bowlin, EdD, PA. “Her transformational leadership style and passion for students will serve the CAHP and WesternU well.”

In addition to her work in educational leadership and teaching, Evans Grayson has more than 19 years of experience in the field of social services that includes maternal and child health, transitional living skills, and health education. She has worked in various roles, such as a Mental Health Specialist, Case Manager, Residential Manager, and a Medical and Psychiatric Social Worker in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Most recently, Evans Grayson served as Staff Development Manager for County of Riverside Department of Social Services in California, where she oversaw the training for CalFresh, CalWORKs, Child Care, Employment Services, and Medi-Cal programs. She is a featured speaker on contemporary leadership issues and has presented at various conferences focusing on personal and professional leadership practices.

Evans Grayson has also developed and taught a number of courses in the Department of Health Sciences, including Educational Leadership, Human Resources and Fiscal Operations, and Competencies for Community Health Educators.

“This is a great opportunity for me. I enjoy working with students, administration and faculty,” Evans Grayson said. “I feel it’s an opportunity for me to give back to the community by providing a structured and well-balanced curriculum and to work with community partners to ensure our students provide quality health education services to families.”

Her immediate goals are to start collaborating with students, faculty and administration to support the Department of Health Sciences program goals and implement new initiatives that continue adding value to the rest of the WesternU community.

Evans Grayson has taught for 15 years at various colleges and universities including the University of Phoenix, Argosy University, and Chapman University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a Master of Arts in Behavioral Sciences from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne. In addition to their work, Evans Grayson and her husband Robert are busy serving their faith community and raising two energetic daughters.

Tina Meyer, DHSc, PA-C, who served as Department of Health Sciences chair since 2006, will continue to support the College of Allied Health Professions as the Assistant Dean of Assessment and Strategic Collaborations.

The Department of Health Sciences houses the MSHS program that was established in 1986 to prepare clinicians and others in Health Professions Education. In 2009, the program graduated its first public health students from the Community Health Education track. The program also maintains the NMM/OMM Teaching Fellowship track for students admitted to the NMM/OMM Fellowship in the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), as well as the Health Professions Education and Research in Podiatric Medicine Track for students admitted to the DPM program in the College of Podiatric Medicine (CPM). The Department also conducts the teaching certificate portion of the Post-doctoral Faculty Orientation and Development Fellowship in the College of Pharmacy.