McCullough named Dean of USI College of Nursing and Health Professions

Dr. Julie McCullough, Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs, has been appointed Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) at the University of Southern Indiana, effective July 1, 2023.  

McCullough has served as Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs since January 2023. From 2017 to 2022, she served as Assistant Dean of Health Professions in the CNHP. She also served as Chair of the Food and Nutrition Department and is an Associate Professor of Nutrition. McCullough previously served as a Core 39 Curriculum Facilitator for the College.  

Indicative of recent national hiring trends in higher education, the CNHP experienced unsuccessful national searches for its Dean. Since the position became vacant due to a retirement in 2021, Dr. Constance Swenty, who was serving as Assistant Dean of Nursing, stepped into the role as the College’s Interim Dean. Swenty intends to retire June 30, 2023, after 17 years of service.  

“Dr. McCullough cares deeply about the College of Nursing and Health Professions, sets high standards for excellence, is respected by her colleagues and is passionate about achieving meaningful results,” said Dr. Mohammed Khayum, USI Provost. “Dr. McCullough has a deep understanding of all the programs in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, will enhance the vital role of the College at the University and continue advancing USI’s contributions to shape and improve the quality of healthcare in the Evansville region and beyond.” 

As Dean, McCullough will report directly to the Provost, serve as the College’s chief academic officer and represent the College as a member of the Provost’s Council. “It is a sincere honor to serve the College of Nursing and Health Professions and the University in this role,” said McCullough. “I am excited to work with a hardworking and talented team of staff, faculty and administrators to support our students and build on the exemplary accomplishments of the College.” 

At USI, McCullough led the creation of the Food and Nutrition bachelor’s degree, two minors and accreditation of the Dietetics program. McCullough collaborated with architects on the design and conversion of the Health Professions Center, including the addition of state-of-the-art food and nutrition classroom and laboratory space. She also helped create two student organizations in the College. 

McCullough is a founding member of the Evansville Area Food Council and a leadership group member of the Welborn Foundation Healthy Communities Partnership. She has been instrumental in numerous community health and nutrition endeavors around the Tri-state area. She is an Indiana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Outstanding Dietitian of the Year and Outstanding Dietetic Educator. She earned the first Faculty Affairs Excellence in Teaching Award from the CNHP and Quality Matters certification for online course design.  

McCullough holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and master’s and doctoral degrees in nutrition from University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her areas of expertise are centered around dietetics, and her research focuses on food system policy.  

The College of Nursing and Health Professions, one of four Colleges at the University of Southern Indiana, has a global influence in health, healthcare and healthcare education. The College offers baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral programs in nursing, as well as programs in Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Food and Nutrition, Health Informatics and Information Management, Health Services, Health Administration, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy, Radiologic and Imaging Sciences and Respiratory Therapy. Completion programs for practicing professionals include Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Therapy, Health Services, Health Administration, Health Informatics and Nursing.  

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master's degree in nursing, doctoral degree in nursing practice and post-graduate APRN certificate are each accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs are accredited by Commission on Dental Accreditation. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Radiologic and Imaging Sciences is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. Occupational Therapy Assistant and Occupational Therapy are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. Respiratory Therapy is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.