Department of Lifestyle Health Sciences Leadership Change

To: HSC Faculty & Staff

From: J. Glenn Forister, PhD, PA-C, Dean, School of Health Professions

Date: September 28, 2020

Re: Department of Lifestyle Health Sciences Leadership

After two rewarding and productive years, Debbie Gillespie has decided to relinquish her role as Interim Chair of the Department of Lifestyle Health Sciences and transition to full-time faculty position.

Debbie has accomplished great things as the Department of Lifestyle Health Sciences’ Interim Chair including, but not limited to, the following:

• Obtained all necessary approvals for initiation of new program from THECB, UNT Board of Regents and SACSCOC.
• Established the Department of Lifestyle Health Sciences.
• Developed curriculum for a M.S. degree in Lifestyle Health Sciences & Coaching.
• Accepted program’s first cohort of 32 students in June 2020.
• Co-Advised newly formed Preventive Lifestyle use in Medicine (PLuM) student interest group.

I sincerely appreciate Debbie’s many contributions as the Interim Chair and look forward to her continued support as a faculty member.

I am pleased to announce that Misti Zablosky, PhD, LAT, CHWC, Dip ACLM, will be assuming the role of Interim Chair as of October 1, 2020. Dr. Zablosky was the first faculty hired into the department and has been an integral contributor to departmental growth and program development. In addition to her new role, she also serves as the Program Manager for FitSteps for Life and Co-Advisor for PLuM.

Dr. Zablosky has an extensive background implementing health and wellness programs, and I am confident that under Dr. Zablosky’s leadership the Lifestyle Health Sciences’ department will continue to flourish. Thank you in advance for your support as Dr. Zablosky adjusts to her new role.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at Glenn.Forister@unthsc.edu.