Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) has appointed Hector Balcazar, Ph.D., as the new Dean of the College of Science and Health. The appointment will be effective as of April 4, 2016. In his new role, Dr. Balcazar will provide overall academic, administrative, and financial leadership for the College.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Balcazar will be taking the helm of CDU’s College of Science and Health,” said Dr. David M. Carlisle, President of CDU. “He brings a wealth of experience in public health that will give our program greater prominence and enhance its outreach in the South Los Angeles community.”
Dr. Hector Balcazar, new Dean of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science’s College of Science and HealthBefore his appointment, Dr. Balcazar was the Regional Dean of Public Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, El Paso Regional Campus. He was also a tenured professor of health promotion and behavioral sciences. Prior to joining UT, he was a tenured professor and Chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health at University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TX and a tenured Associate Professor at Arizona State University. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. degree in International Nutrition from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, and a B.S. degree in Nutrition and Food Science from Iberoamericana University, Mexico City.
Dr. Balcazar served as the Co-Director of the Hispanic Health Disparities Research Center, an NIH funded initiative in collaboration with the College of Health Sciences and School of Nursing of the University of Texas at El Paso from 2003-2013. Dr. Balcazar served as Chair of the Editorial Board of AJPH from 2008-2011.
“CDU is an ideal educational institution to continue exploring how to reduce determinants of health disparities in underserved communities,” said Dr. Balcazar. “I look forward to joining the CDU community and leading the College of Science and Health through its next phase.”
The College of Science and Health is a unique and dynamic educational center encompassing a range of health sciences disciplines. Departments in Health, Biomedical Sciences and General Studies, as well as programs in Urban Public Health and Allied Health provide the foundation for academic offerings. Programs from associate to bachelor’s and master’s level degrees, as well as professional certificates of completion, are offered. The College is recognized regionally and nationally as an institution dedicated to educating and preparing students to become compassionate health science professionals who serve with excellence.
“We are extremely excited with the appointment of Dean Balcazar to the College of Science and Health. He brings a perfect blend of academic excellence, institutional leadership experience, and dedication to improving health outcomes,” said Dr. Steve O. Michael, Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs and Provost. “As the University Provost, I am particularly thrilled and pleased with the national leadership and visibility of our decanal team. Certainly, CDU is poised for a bright future.”
