Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Following an extensive national search, East Tennessee State University has selected Dr. Jeffrey Snodgrass to serve as dean of the ETSU College of Health Sciences. 

“Over the past several years, Dr. Snodgrass has been a pivotal leader in the College of Health Sciences, which has continued expanding its academic portfolio to meet our region’s growing demand for a diverse range of health professionals,” Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, ETSU’s provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, said. “I am incredibly proud of these efforts and their work to expand clinical service sites at which our region’s future health professions students train, including audiology, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, dental hygiene and other clinics. Dr. Snodgrass has demonstrated vision and operational excellence throughout this work, and I am excited to see what more he will accomplish as dean.”

Snodgrass has served as interim associate dean for Academic and Clinical Affairs since 2022, overseeing curriculum and training environments for clinical training programs in the college. Before that, he served as chair of Rehabilitative Health Sciences at ETSU from 2018-23 and chair and program director for the Department of Occupational Therapy at Milligan University from 2006-18. 

Dr. Snodgrass earned his Ph.D. in health sciences with a concentration in health care administration from Trident University International, his Master of Public Health in public health administration from the ETSU College of Public Health, and his Bachelor of Science in occupational therapy from Eastern Kentucky University.  He has been a registered occupational therapist since 1996. 

As associate dean for academic affairs in the college, Dr. Snodgrass has overseen accreditation, institutional effectiveness, and curriculum development by the faculty in 21 clinical health sciences programs, 14 of which have specialized accreditation.  He also has led the college’s Clinical Affairs division, which includes services in audiology, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social work.  These clinics provide over 11,000 patient encounters annually, account for $1.3 million in billable services, and provide $600,000 in charitable care.  He has published numerous book chapters, peer-reviewed articles, and occupational therapy clinical practice guideline documents and has presented at dozens of national meetings. 

The College of Health Sciences is home to the Departments of Allied Health Sciences, Counseling and Human Services, Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, Rehabilitative Sciences, Social Work and Exercise Science, as well as the Center of Excellence for Sport Science and Coach Education.

“The College of Health Sciences is central to our mission as a university, which is to improve the quality of life for the people of our region and beyond,” ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland said. “As our region grows, it is imperative that we work with partners such as Ballad Health and the James H. Quillen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center to develop and expand a world-class health care system and a strong pipeline of health care professionals and specialists. Dr. Snodgrass is both an excellent teacher who serves to inspire and guide our students and an exemplary administrator who can ensure our work, particularly our clinics, makes a positive impact in our communities.”  

“By focusing on academic excellence and strategic partnerships, I aim to elevate the College of Health Sciences as a nationally recognized hub for outcomes-based research, exceptional education, evidence-based clinical practice, and impactful community engagement,” Snodgrass said.

He will begin his new role in January 2025.