Dr. Lesley Clack serves as the inaugural Dean of the School of Health Professions at Mississippi State University, where she provides strategic leadership for the growth and innovation of academic programs designed to meet evolving healthcare workforce needs. A central focus of her work is leading the development and expansion of health professions programs, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and aligning educational offerings with the demands of modern healthcare systems.

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Clack has been dedicated to advancing health administration education. She has played a key role in designing, implementing, and directing programs that prepare students for management and leadership roles across diverse healthcare settings. Her commitment to student success is reflected in her emphasis on mentorship, professional development, and applied learning experiences that equip graduates to lead with confidence and impact.

In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. Clack brings valuable experience from prior leadership roles in both higher education and clinical mental health settings. This dual perspective informs her approach to program development, ensuring that curricula remain relevant, practical, and responsive to industry needs.

Dr. Clack is also highly engaged in accreditation and quality assurance efforts at the national level. She has served as a Chair and Fellow for site visit teams with the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and as a peer reviewer for the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Through this work, she contributes to maintaining high standards in health professions education and advancing excellence across academic programs nationwide.

Doctor of Science in Health Systems Management, Tulane University

Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, University of West Alabama

Bachelor of Science in Biological Science, University of Georgia 

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Georgia

National Board Certified Counselor (NCC)

Certified in Public Health (CPH)