Walsh University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kimberly A. Cleveland as Dean of the newly formed College of Health Sciences, effective July 1, 2025. In this role she will simultaneously support the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences, and the Gary and Linda Byers School of Nursing, including serving as the Trina Rambo R.N. Dean’s Chair.
The College of Health Sciences brings together a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for impactful careers in various critical health professions, research and community support.
“As we build Walsh 4.0 with our Walsh 2035 strategic plan, we are establishing the College of Health Sciences to reflect the growing complexity and interconnectedness of today’s healthcare environment. This new structure, our first stand-alone college within the university, strengthens our ability to deliver integrated, high-impact education within the Catholic Intellectual Tradition that forms servant leaders prepared to promote healing, well-being, and human dignity in every setting they serve. Dr. Kimberly Cleveland’s unique combination of experience in nursing, law, and public policy positions her perfectly to lead this new College and help bring our vision to life. Walsh University continues its trajectory as a national leader in health sciences and a role model for other Catholic colleges and universities,” offered President Tim Collins. “Jesus Christ himself brought us this healing mission, and our new college will educate and train the professionals who will carry-forward that mission into the 22nd century!”
Academic Schools and Programs within the College of Health Sciences:
Gary and Linda Byers School of Nursing
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pre-Licensure (four-year), and Fast Track BSN (accelerated online for adults).
Graduate: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with tracks in Nurse Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Certificates: Post-graduate certificates in Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
School of Behavioral and Health Sciences
Undergraduate: Majors in Exercise Science, Psychology (Community/Clinical and Pre-Occupational Therapy), Criminal Justice, Sociology (Applied Family Studies and Legal Studies), Behavioral Science/Counseling and Human Development (BA/MA), and Human Services (A.A.).
Graduate: Master of Counseling and Human Development, Master of Exercise Physiology, Master and Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Dr. Cleveland brings a wealth of experience as a nurse, educator, attorney, and leader in health policy and education. She most recently served as Associate Professor at Kent State University’s College of Nursing, where she taught courses in health policy, law, and economics. Dr. Cleveland is admitted to practice law in the State of Ohio and before the United States Supreme Court, and she maintains an active solo law practice.
“Throughout my career, I have witnessed the profound impact that dedicated educators and compassionate leaders can have on students, patients, and communities,” said Dr. Kimberly A. Cleveland. “I look forward to working alongside our talented faculty, staff, and students to advance innovative education, foster collaboration, and prepare future leaders who will make a difference in the lives of others. Together, we will continue to build on Walsh’s tradition of excellence and service in nursing and behavioral and health sciences.”
A recognized leader in nursing and health policy, Dr. Cleveland currently serves as Chair Emeritus of the Nurses on Boards Coalition and has held national leadership roles, including President of The American Association of Nurse Attorneys and Public Policy Committee Member for the National League for Nursing. Her research and advocacy focus on inclusive nursing leadership, accessible and affordable higher education, and social justice. Dr. Cleveland has been a principal investigator on studies examining student nurse anxiety during COVID-19 and is widely published in areas related to nursing leadership, health policy, and student well-being.
Dr. Cleveland’s professional affiliations include the Nurses on Boards Coalition, American Association of Nurse Attorneys, Association of Leadership Science in Nursing, American Association of Nurse Leaders, National League for Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau, and the Cleveland State University College of Law Health Law Advisory Council. Her numerous honors include being named Outstanding Leader in Health Care by Leadership Akron, Outstanding Educational Section Leader by TAANA, and being admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Ohio and the United States Supreme Court.
“Dr. Cleveland’s leadership and vision will be instrumental as we advance innovative health education and foster collaboration across disciplines,” said Dr. Mike Dunphy, Vice President for Academics. “Her expertise and dedication will help us prepare the next generation of health professionals who are ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond.”
Dr. Cleveland succeeds Dr. Judy Kreye, who has served as Trina Rambo R.N. Dean’s Chair of the Byers School of Nursing since 2018 and Interim Dean of the School of Behavioral and Health Sciences during the past academic year. Walsh University extends its gratitude to Dr. Kreye for her outstanding leadership and service during this transitional period.
The newly established College of Health Sciences and Dr. Cleveland’s appointment mark a significant step forward in Walsh University’s commitment to interdisciplinary health education and collaborative excellence.
