David C. Shelledy, PhD, RRT, FAARC
Dean
College of Health Sciences, Rush University, Rush University Medical Center

I have been an allied health educator since 1975, when I became chair of a program at a college in Florida. Not longer after, I attended my first ASAHP meeting. I have served as a faculty member, director, department chair, associate dean and dean of allied health. I have also had the honor of participating in the second class of the Coalition for Allied Health Leadership in 1999 and serving as president of my national professional association in 2003. Over time, I have continued to be impressed with two key facts. First, the allied health professions are essential to addressing the needs of patients and the health care system. And second, because there are so many, relatively small allied health groups that generally do not speak with a unified voice, allied health is often neglected in terms of support and recognition. Which brings us to the mission of the Association: to champion allied health education. In fulfilling this mission, the Association seeks to influence governmental policy, promote educational excellence, encourage collaboration and partnerships, and strengthen research and scholarship. In addition, the Association seeks to develop leaders and promote global outreach. These are vital goals for the Association and for allied health as a whole. It is essential that the Association continue to effectively champion allied health education and promote the recognition of allied health as a vital component of the health care system in the U.S. and worldwide.

ASAHP Activities:

- American Association for Respiratory Care representative to the ASAHP organizational meeting for the Allied Health Reinvestment Act, 2003.
- Member, Editorial Board, Journal of Allied Health , 1999-2005; Manuscript Reviewer, 1999-present.
- Chair, Associate Dean's Group, 2006
- ASAHP Commissioner to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 2008-present.
- ASAHP Representative to the American Association for Respiratory Care 2015 and Beyond Task Force, 2009.

Other relevant experience:

- Coalition for Allied Health Leadership (CAHL), class of 1999. CAHL was jointly sponsored by ASAHP, NN-2, and HPN.
- American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) President-elect, President, and Immediate Past President, 2002-2004; Vice President for Internal Affairs, 2001; Director, 1997-1999.
- Editor, Respiratory Care Education Annual, 2000-2006
- Legislative Committee: Florida Society for Respiratory Care, 1978-1984 (Chair, 1978-1980, 1981-1982); Georgia Society for Respiratory Care, 1989, 1991-1992; Illinois Society for Respiratory Care, 2009.
- Midwest Deans of Allied Health, 2004-present