51ĀŅĀ×

The 51ĀŅĀ× Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine has announced the appointment of Katherine Snyder, Ph.D., as the new associate dean of Student Affairs. Snyder brings extensive experience in student life and a deep commitment to student support, having previously served in leadership roles at Denison University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Snyder most recently held the position of associate vice president of student life at Denison University and formerly served as associate dean of students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also earned her doctoral degree in education policy, organization and leadership.

Executive Dean Ken Johnson, D.O., praised Snyderā€™s selection, noting her alignment with the collegeā€™s mission and values.

ā€œThroughout the search process, it became evident that Katherine possesses a deep understanding of our college and the unique offerings of osteopathic medicine to health care. Her collaborative spirit and genuine passion for supporting students distinguished her from the outset, and I look forward to the many ways her leadership will enrich the medical student experience,ā€ he said.

Johnson also extended his gratitude to Terry Hogan, Ph.D., who has served as interim associate dean of Student Affairs since January, following the departmentā€™s separation from Admissions. Hogan will remain in the role through the end of October to support a smooth transition.

ā€œHis efforts have positioned the department for continued success and laid the foundation for Katherine to thrive in this role,ā€ said Johnson.

ā€œWhat excites me is the opportunity to continue Dr. Hogan and Dr. Schrinerā€™s momentum, honoring whatā€™s been built while exploring what comes next,ā€ said Snyder. ā€œAnd I hope to do that work in partnership with our talented Student Affairs professionals, with faculty who are invested in student growth, and with students themselves, who bring so much insight and leadership to the table.ā€

Snyder said that while her vision for Student Affairs will evolve, right now she is focused on ā€œconnection, collaboration and careā€ and sees Student Affairs as a place where faculty and staff partner ā€œto create an environment where academic success, personal growth, wellness and belonging all come together.ā€

Snyder expressed excitement about building relationships across the college.

ā€œHCOM has such a strong and positive reputation for producing talented and mission-driven physicians, and Iā€™m thrilled for the opportunity to contribute,ā€ she said. ā€œIā€™m excited to get to know the students and understand more about their journeys to the Heritage College, future aspirations, and how we in Student Affairs can best support them along the way. And Iā€™m just as eager to connect with the faculty, whose expertise and mentorship play such a vital role in shaping the student experience. Iā€™m also excited to join a team of incredibly talented Student Affairs professionals. Iā€™m looking forward to learning from them, supporting their growth, and working together to bring new ideas to life.ā€

Looking ahead, Snyder identified several opportunities to advance student support at the Heritage College. These include continuing to integrate wellness into the medical school experience, elevating talent and leadership and using data-informed practices to shape future initiatives.

ā€œWe have the opportunity to look closely at whatā€™s working, listen to what students are telling us, and develop and deploy initiatives that are not only effective but student-centered,ā€ said Snyder.

She underscored the importance of empowering staff and students alike. ā€œStudents bring so many skills and experiences to the table, and so many of them are already leaders and changemakers. Iā€™d love to continue to help elevate their voices and build more opportunities for leadership,ā€ she said.