College of Charleston Names Dean of School of Health Sciences

Dear Campus Community,

I am writing to update you on the leadership of the School of Health Sciences. 

When the school was created in 2022, I named Wes Dudgeon as interim dean. I am pleased to announce that the “interim” portion of his title is being lifted, and Wes will serve as the first dean of the School of Health Sciences. 

Dean Dudgeon is a longtime faculty member at the College, having served as a visiting assistant professor from 2006–2008 and returning to the College in 2013. After being tenured and promoted to associate professor in 2016, he served for 5 years as chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance. He was promoted to professor in 2022 when he assumed his current role as interim dean.  Dean Dudgeon earned his Ph.D. in exercise science from the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. He was a four-year varsity athlete at Malone University while earning a degree in sports science. His current scholarship focuses on the impacts of exercise and nutrition on health and wellness, which complements his teaching in courses such as Exercise Physiology and Sports Nutrition. 

Dean Dudgeon has done an excellent job laying the foundation of the new School of Health Sciences.  He has worked with faculty to establish new programs, such as a minor in Health Informatics and a B.S. in Health Services Administration and Management, which launches this fall.  He has supported experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-led study abroad programs and has worked with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to fund annual summer internships for Public Health students.  

Please join me in congratulating Dean Dudgeon.

Sincerely,

Suzanne

Suzanne Austin
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT and PROVOST
DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
COLLEGE of CHARLESTON