Michael Ferrara, professor and associate dean for research at the University of Georgia’s College of Education, has been named dean of the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS), Provost John Aber announced. Ferrara, whose teaching and research is in athletic training, will join the college in the spring semester of 2013.  

“Dr. Ferrara brings a unique set of experiences and skills to this important position,” Aber said.  “He has demonstrated an ability to bring good data to bear on important decisions in the broader world, as evidenced by his impact on policies to limit high school football practices across Georgia during times of peak heat stress.  His international experiences, including as an adviser to the Beijing Olympics, are a wonderful match with this part of the university’s strategic plan.” 

Ferrara joined the faculty of the University of Georgia in 1998; in addition to teaching, he held several administrative positions there, including director of the university’s St. Mary’s Hospital Athletic Training Research and Education Laboratory, graduate coordinator, and director of athletic training study abroad. He was the founding president of the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy.  

Ferrara received his Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University. Among his research interests are concussions and heat illness in athletes. He has worked extensively with Paralympic sports, an area of national distinction in CHHS. 

Aber extended his gratitude to the search committee, in particular co-chairs Dan Innis, dean of WSBE, and Janet Sable, professor and chairperson of recreation management and policy. Other search committee members were Heather Barber, associate professor of kinesiology; Rosemary Caron, associate professor of health management and policy; Pamela DiNapoli, associate professor of nursing; Jerry Marx, associate professor and chairperson of social work; Amy Plante, clinical associate professor of communication sciences and disorders; Josephine Porter, deputy director of the Institute for Health Policy and Practice; Michele Stone, director of financial and business services for  CHHS; and Corinna Tucker, associate professor of family studies.  

Provost Aber also extended special thanks to Neil Vroman, who has served as interim dean of CHHS while also maintaining his role as associate dean.

Photo courtesy of the University of Georgia.