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Salus University has named Barry S. Eckert, PhD as the new provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, marking a close to the nation-wide search.
As provost, Dr. Eckert will be responsible for maintaining the University’s academic vision and providing global leadership for all activities related to the academic enterprise of the University.
Dr. Eckert is focused on ensuring that the University keeps evolving to match the ever-changing healthcare landscape. “We need to be prepared to respond to changes quickly,” he said.
He believes three key attributes are needed to be successful as provost: communication, collaboration, and vision; and he is prepared to succeed in all three. He is also a strong advocate for interprofessional education, something that is of utmost importance at Salus. “The key is to ensure the programs all collaborate, for the benefit of the patients,” he said.
While he sees great success within the programs at Salus, he is also taking notes as to which programs he can build upon, and is enthusiastic about laying the groundwork for implementing new changes as well.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Dr. Barry Eckert is joining the Salus team,” said Dr. Michael Mittelman, president of Salus University. “I am certain his extensive expertise and experience in health science higher education, accreditation, and administration will help us grow and bring new and challenging ideas to all of our academic programs.”
Dr. Mittelman is also hopeful for what Dr. Eckert can bring to the future of Salus and the development of its programs. “As the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), the founding College of Salus University, celebrates its centennial anniversary this year, Dr. Eckert is starting at a great time – one where he can help to write the next chapter in our storied history,” he said.
Prior to this appointment, Dr. Eckert was dean for two different universities: the College of Health Professions of Armstrong at Atlantic State University in Savannah, Ga., and Long Island University in Brooklyn, N.Y. He also most recently held the role of interim dean for the School of Professional Studies of Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Conn. and previously held the assistant provost role at the University of Buffalo in N.Y.
In addition to his previous roles, Dr. Eckert has written or contributed to a number of peer-review research publications in cell biology and anatomy.
“I am excited about coming to an institution that is focused on healthcare professions, as it parallels my experiences as dean for multiple health professions programs,” he said.
Dr. Eckert earned both his bachelor’s and master’s in biology from the State University of New York at Albany. He continued his education at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine, earning his Doctorate in Philosophy in Anatomy. He then went on to complete his fellowship with Dr. Keith R. Porter – an early leader within cell biology and electron microscopy - in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado.
When not at work or in the office, Dr. Eckert spends a lot of time with his dogs, a Dachshund and a Dorkie. He also enjoys photographing architecture and is excited about exploring a new city with his camera and he and his wife Elizabeth are excited about exploring Philadelphia.
