Mark Reinhardt Appointed Inaugural Dean of School of Behavioral and Health Sciences

Hood College is proud to announce the appointment of Mark Reinhardt, DNP, MBA, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CNS, as the inaugural dean of The Ruth Whitaker Holmes School of Behavioral and Health Sciences (SBHS). With an extensive career in nursing education, healthcare administration and military service, Reinhardt brings a wealth of experience and visionary leadership to this new role.

Reinhardt joins Hood from Southeastern University, where he served as chief nurse administrator and professor in the College of Natural & Health Sciences. He has a distinguished background in higher education leadership, having held key positions such as associate dean and chief academic officer for the School of Nursing at Valdosta State University and dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Lynchburg. His career spans both academic and clinical settings, with expertise in curriculum development, accreditation, faculty mentoring and student success initiatives.

As dean, Reinhardt will oversee the development and implementation of programs within the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, fostering interdisciplinary approaches to health education and research. His leadership will be vital in advancing the school’s mission in preparing graduates to support and advocate for the needs of diverse communities via a holistic study of health and behavior as a continuum of physical, mental and social well-being.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the inaugural dean of the SBHS,” said Reinhardt. 

“It is the opportunity of a lifetime to lead this newly formed school. I look forward to working with the faculty, leaders and students in the SBHS alongside College leadership and our community partners to continue a trajectory of growth focused on the future.”

“We are excited to welcome Mark Reinhardt to Hood College,” said Hood College President Debbie Ricker, Ph.D. “His extensive experience in health science practice, education and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of the SBHS. His commitment to academic excellence, student engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission.”

The SBHS, founded in 2022, is home to Hood’s undergraduate nursing, psychology, public health, social work and sociology programs, as well as graduate programs in counseling and nutrition science. The school is housed within a purpose-built space in partnership with Frederick Health, containing specialized equipment, lab and lecture spaces. The founding of the school was made possible thanks to a major gift of $2.5 million from Hood alumna Ruth Whitaker Holmes ’55, H’93, Ph.D., and her husband G. Burtt Holmes, O.D.

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