Salisbury, MD – Salisbury University has announced Dr. Matthew Laurent as the new dean of its College of Health and Human Services (CHHS).
Laurent comes to SU after seven years at Tarleton State University, having served in roles ranging from Health and Human Performance department head in 2014 to dean of the School of Health and Clinical Professions since 2022. He began his tenure at Salisbury on Wednesday, January 8.
“Dr. Laurent’s vision for CHHS aligns seamlessly with our mission to prepare career-ready graduates who are community-minded providers, ready to embrace the people and the challenges of the Eastern Shore and beyond,” said Dr. Laurie Couch, SU provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. “We are excited to see the ways in which his expertise will elevate our commitment to excellence, community partnership and lifelong learning. I look forward to the dynamic leadership and innovation he brings to our college.”
“I am deeply honored and excited to join SU as the next CHHS dean,” said Laurent. “I look forward to working with colleagues within the college and across the institution to build on our existing strengths while exploring new avenues for growth and innovation.”
Laurent oversees the college’s schools of Health Sciences, Nursing and Social Work, as well as the Center for Healthy Communities and the Richard A. Henson Medical Simulation Center.
“By fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, inclusivity and excellence, I believe the college can continue to advance SU’s mission and vision, making a positive impact on the lives of its students and the communities they serve,” said Laurent.
At Tarleton State, Laurent oversaw the, planning, development and launch of expanded graduate and undergraduate programs to meet market needs and foster strategic growth.
He played a pivotal role in the development of new educational spaces dedicated to interprofessional education and worked to implement differential teaching loads to account for non-instructional workload including, but not limited to, curriculum development, clinical supervision and mentorship of student scholarship.
Laurent oversaw the school through the reaccreditation and reaffirmations of several academic programs, and directed revised policies, procedures, and processes across the departments and programs in the school.
He has over 15 years of published research in sports performance, strength and conditioning, and recovery and rehabilitation.
Prior to his time at Tarleton State, he worked as the exercise science program coordinator at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.
Laurent earned his Ph.D. in human performance, exercise physiology from the University of Alabama. He also received an M.S. and B.S. in sports and exercise sciences from West Texas A&M University.
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.
