Dean’s Welcome Message

Welcome to the School of Health Professions (SHP) at Mississippi State University. It is an honor to serve as the inaugural dean and to help lead a school that is rapidly growing, deeply student-centered, and committed to elevating the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

Since joining MSU, I have been inspired by the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Together, we are building a dynamic academic home where innovation, collaboration, and service guide everything we do. Our work is grounded in the university’s Transforming MSU strategic plan and its five pillars—Serve the Whole Student, Strengthen Our Bonds, Ignite Innovation, Elevate Our Community, and Tell Our Story. These principles shape our vision for the School of Health Professions and define the impact we strive to make across Mississippi and beyond.

Over the past year, SHP has expanded its academic programs, strengthened its organizational structure, and deepened its community engagement. We have welcomed new department heads, advanced multiple new degree and certificate proposals, and successfully transitioned the PsyD program and the Mental & Behavioral Health Clinic into SHP. Our clinic’s approval as a Medicaid provider marks a significant milestone in expanding access to care and enhancing clinical training opportunities for our students.

As we look ahead, SHP is poised for continued growth. We are committed to expanding academic offerings in high-demand fields, strengthening clinical partnerships, and fostering a culture of shared governance, innovation, and excellence. Our goal is to prepare compassionate, skilled professionals who are ready to lead in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Whether you are a prospective student, a current member of our community, or a partner in the region, I invite you to explore all that the School of Health Professions has to offer. We are proud of the momentum we have built—and are even more excited about the future we are creating together.

Welcome to SHP. We are glad you are here.

Dean Lesley Clack