Jeffrey J. DiGiovanni, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Health Professions
Rutgers University
Newark, NJ
Background and aspirations for ASAHP
My professional background reflects a sustained commitment to advancing health professions education through leadership, innovation, and system-level thinking. As Dean of the School of Health Professions at Rutgers University, I lead a complex academic enterprise encompassing diverse programs, clinical partnerships, and a broad array of research initiatives. My prior roles as department chair and associate dean have provided a comprehensive perspective on the academic, clinical, and operational dimensions of health professions education. I have led the development of new academic programs, strengthened research infrastructure, and built partnerships with healthcare systems and community organizations. These experiences have reinforced the importance of aligning education with workforce needs while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and student success.
A consistent theme in my work has been advancing interprofessional and collaborative models of education. I have led the development of shared clinical education frameworks, supported interdisciplinary research, and implemented structures that facilitate coordination across programs. This work reflects a fundamental understanding that healthcare delivery is team-based and requires intentional alignment across disciplines.
These experiences directly inform my aspirations for the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions. One of the most pressing challenges facing our field is the need for greater cohesion across the health professions. While individual disciplines continue to advance, our collective ability to advocate effectively is diminished when we are represented in silos. A more unified approach is essential to strengthening our voice in policy, workforce development, and resource allocation. Strengthening cohesion is not about diminishing disciplinary identity, but about amplifying our collective influence through coordinated action.
I see an opportunity for the Association to serve as a stronger platform for strategic collaboration and unified advocacy. This includes leveraging data to inform policy engagement, sharing scalable models for education and training, and creating mechanisms for institutions to exchange effective practices. By working more cohesively, we can better respond to emerging challenges and position the health professions as an integrated and essential component of the healthcare system. My leadership approach is collaborative, transparent, and outcomes-oriented. I have consistently focused on bringing stakeholders together to implement practical, forward-looking solutions, and I would bring that same approach to service within the Association.
The Association plays a critical role in shaping the future of health professions education. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute by advancing greater cohesion across the professions and strengthening our collective capacity for effective advocacy.
ASAHP Activities
Activity I: Leadership Development Program participant (2022-2023)
Activity II: Presenter at conference on novel and inclusive method of strategic planning (e.g., 2025)
Activity III: Regular annual conference attendee and supporter
Relevant Experience
Activity I: Elected twice to the Audiology Advisory Council for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2011 and 2014)
Activity II: Topic Chair twice for the Program Committee for the annual convention of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2020 and 2022)
Activity III: Served two terms, and developed curricular content for the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders Interprofessional Education /Interprofessional Practice Committee (2022 - 2026)
Activity IV: Founded a life sciences company for a medical device, earned FDA 510(k) approval, completed a clinical trial, earned patens in US and EU, and brought product to production (2011 - 2018)
Activity IV: Substantial academic leadership experience from faculty, program director, department chair, associate dean, and dean in the health sciences (2002-present)