Husson University Dean Dr. James Nash Selected to Lead USU College of Allied Health Sciences

Dr. James Nash, professor and dean of the College of Health and Pharmacy at Husson University in Bangor, Maine, has been selected as the new dean of the Uniformed Services University (USU) College of Allied Health Sciences.

Dr. James Nash has been selected as the new dean of USU's College of Allied Health Sciences.

(Courtesy photos)

May 28, 2024 by Sharon Holland

Dr. James Nash, professor and dean of the College of Health and Pharmacy at Husson University in Bangor, Maine, has been selected as the new dean of the Uniformed Services University (USU) College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS).  

The College of Allied Health Sciences allows service members to earn resident college credit for their military training programs and to establish academic residency with a pathway to a degree in their military occupation. This allows Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen to accomplish their academic goals, especially clinical coursework, often the most difficult for service members to achieve while on active duty, while they complete the service required training to earn their military occupational qualification. 

The College was founded with an emphasis on military training programs that lead to a nationally recognized credential and that have an academic requirement associated with the credential. This enables service members to earn these credentials with little or no additional college coursework. Credentialing military allied health professionals benefits both the Military Health System by ensuring patient safety, maintaining a professional standard, and reinforcing public trust; as well as the individual service member by providing them a means for ready employment if they transition to the civilian workforce.   

Nash’s academic experience with allied health professions education combined with his extensive military experience as a Navy Officer will provide him the vision and first-hand experience to enrich the USU academic community and further the mission of educating and training the next generation of healthcare providers.

Nash brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished record of leadership in healthcare education and military service. At Husson, he currently oversees a diverse array of healthcare programs including Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Nursing.  

Nash's dedication to service extends beyond academia. Since 2014, he has served as a Navy Medical Reserve officer, undertaking a variety of assignments, including deployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“His firsthand experience in healthcare delivery and military service will undoubtedly enrich our academic community and further our mission of preparing healthcare professionals to serve our nation,” said USU President Dr. Jonathan Woodson. 

Prior to his current role, Nash held positions of leadership and responsibility at Sullivan University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Louisville, Kentucky, where he served as assistant professor and director of the Center for Health and Wellness, which he established, and assisted in the development of the PharmD program. At Liberty University School of Nursing in Lynchburg, Virginia, Nash taught Clinical Psychopharmacology online for Doctor of Nursing Practice/Family Nurse Practitioner students. Nash's extensive career also includes roles as associate professor and Associate Dean at the College for Health Professions at Regis University in Denver, where he spearheaded initiatives in experiential education and leadership development. He played a pivotal role in merging key healthcare services and led efforts in interprofessional education and global health curriculum development. Nash also previously served as an assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. 

Nash held clinical management and advisory positions at Humana, Inc., University of Louisville Healthcare, and Kaiser Permanente prior to academia, bringing a wealth of practical experience to his academic endeavors. 

Nash earned his undergraduate degree in pre-pharmacy/biology from University of Kentucky in Lexington, followed by a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Mercer University in Atlanta. He completed a one-year residency in Pharmacy Practice at the University of Colorado in Denver, and a one-year residency in primary care at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio.  Nash earned a Master of Public Health from the School of Public Health and Information Sciences at the University of Louisville in 2011, and later, a certificate in development practice with an emphasis on global health from Regis University. In March 2023, he completed his PhD degree in Higher Education Administration, with a focus on educational leadership at Liberty University School of Education. 

“Dr. Nash is a highly respected educator, researcher, and administrator with a strong track record of accomplishment. His expertise in experiential and interprofessional education, coupled with his passion for advancing healthcare leadership, positions him as the ideal candidate to lead our College of Allied Health Sciences,” Woodson said. 

Nash will begin his new duties in mid-August.