New dean leads BW programs that prepare students for 'caring professions'

Baldwin Wallace University has named Dr. Stephen W. Dittmore as dean of the BW College of Education and Health Sciences.

Dittmore comes to BW from the University of Arkansas (U of A), where he most recently served as associate dean for research, strategy and innovation in the U of A College of Education and Health Professions, which enrolls more than 6,000 students.

"We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished higher education and business leader to oversee the vital undergraduate and graduate programs that serve the health and education sectors of our region," notes Dr. Stephen Stahl, BW Provost.

Preparing educators and health professionals

BW's College of Education and Health Sciences includes five departments with undergraduate majors in education, nursing, communication sciences and disorders, pre-physical therapy, exercise science and public health, among others. The college also offers graduate programs in education, physician assistant, public health and more.

Noting the need to bolster Ohio's workforce in the "caring professions," Dittmore says, "I am eager to work with the students, faculty and staff of BW's College of Education and Health Sciences to improve the lives of people in the Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio region through the delivery of high-quality education and health programs."

Broad, deep experience

With a deep resume, Dittmore has charted varied experiences as a higher education administrator and faculty member and is a nationally recognized thought leader on intercollegiate athletic administration as assistant editor for AthleticDirectorU.

Dittmore forged a successful early career as a corporate communications and sport management professional with such high-profile organizations as Koch Industries, the Olympic Games and the NCAA Final Four.

He has served in administrative and faculty roles at U of A since 2013, teaching in the recreation and sport management program and earning the rank of full professor in 2018. He previously taught at East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, the University of Louisville in Kentucky and Wichita State University in Kansas.

Mentor, researcher and author

Outside the classroom, Dittmore has contributed to the success of many students as a mentor for numerous doctoral dissertations and an internship and practicum advisor. In 2016, his peers honored him with the U of A College of Education and Health Professions' Outstanding Advising and Mentoring Award.

The co-author of three editions of "Sport Public Relations" published by Human Kinetics, Dittmore also contributed a dozen book chapters and published nearly 50 peer-reviewed journal articles. He is a frequent academic and industry conference presenter.

Education and leadership development

Dittmore holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and organizational development from the University of Louisville, as well as a master's degree in mass communication and a bachelor's degree in journalism, both from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

He is one of four representatives from the University of Arkansas chosen as a fellow for the Southeastern Conference Academic Leadership Development Program.

Dittmore began his role at Baldwin Wallace on July 1.