New Dean Named for UM-Flint School of Health Professions and Studies

A professor at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida has been recommended by an 11 member search committee as the new dean of the University of Michigan-Flint School of Health Professions and Studies. Provost Jack Kay announced the selection of Barbara L. Kornblau, a professor of occupational therapy and public health in the College of Allied Health and Nursing, and College of Osteopathic Medicine. The U-M Board of Regents will be asked to approve Dr. Kornblau at the June meeting.

Kornblau earned her B.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she also completed upper division and graduate coursework in History of Medicine and Public Health from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami, School of Law. Kornblau holds several licenses and certifications as Attorney in the State of Florida, Certified Case Manager, Certified Disability Management Specialist, Certified Rehabilitation Services Provider/Rehabilitation Counselor/Qualified Rehabilitation Provider, and Occupational Therapist.

Kornblau's administrative experience includes President and Chair, Board of Directors of the American Occupational Therapy Association, a 40,000 member professional association; Chair, Board of Directors of the Arthritis Foundation Southeast Branch, Florida Chapter; Consultant to Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy Services; Chief, Occupational Therapy, Baptist Hospital of Miami; and Director, Clinical Services, and Owner, Innovative Therapeutics; Association Director, Occupational Therapy Resource Services, Inc.

Her research is extensive with the publication of 2 books and another in preparation for publication, over two dozen book chapters, and more than 30 peer reviewed publications. She has also authored over 15 invited articles, 6 videotapes, and over 75 peer reviewed papers and posters. She currently has funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and has obtained over one million dollars in research funding.

"I am confident that Dr. Kornblau will quickly become a valuable member of the University of Michigan-Flint academic leadership team and an important voice in our local, regional, and national health communities," said Provost Kay.

In a letter accepting the position, Kornblau writes, "I see a bold future for the school. The potential for partnerships and collaboration is bound only by the imagination and creativity of its leader, faculty, and students. Leadership for the future of the dean of the school of health professions and studies requires planting the seeds of creativity, fertilizing the possible 'futures,' and facilitating a community of collaboration where fresh ideas are encouraged and faculty and students feel a part of the excitement happening around them."

Dr. Betty Velthouse has served as Interim Dean since July, 2008.