SUNY Poly’s new dean for College of Health Sciences to start July 18

MARCY, N.Y. — SUNY Polytechnic Institute has named Mark J. Kittleson as its new dean of the College of Health Sciences, effective July 18.

Kittleson most recently chaired the Department of Public Health at New York Medical College and joins SUNY Poly during a time of investment in the College of Health Sciences.

Kittleson is noted for his research and service in the use of technology within health education/health promotion and public health, SUNY Poly said in a news release. He created the HEDIR, a large health-education listserv, which has been used by the profession for more than 30 years and has a membership of nearly 2,000. He also created the first completely online peer-reviewed health-education journal, The International Electronic Journal of Health Education, and has been a leader in developing and delivering online programs.

He is also interested in developing strong mental-health skills, especially in children and adolescents.

“Dr. Kittleson is a proven educator with a track record of managing and growing programs, as well as leading successful reaccreditation efforts,” SUNY Poly President Winston Soboyejo said in the release. “We welcome him to SUNY Poly and know he will continue the positive momentum in our College of Health Sciences that recently saw historic investments made by Gov. Kathy Hochul which will update nursing labs, bring in state-of-the-art equipment, and establish the Center for Healthcare Innovation — a collaborative center to address the increasing mental health, physical health, and environmental health needs.”

While at New York Medical College (NYMC), Kittleson was able to secure a full seven-year reaccreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health for the school’s master’s and doctoral programs in public health.

Prior to NYMC, he served as dean of the School of Health & Human Performance at SUNY Brockport and department head for public health at New Mexico State University.

SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers undergraduate and graduate degrees via its colleges of arts and sciences, business, engineering, and health sciences.