Des Moines University names Jodi Cahalan new dean of CHS

(Des Moines, IA) – Des Moines University’s College of Health Sciences has a new dean. Jodi L. Cahalan, M.P.H., M.H.A., PA–C, of West Des Moines, a graduate of three of the College’s programs, will begin immediately.
“I am absolutely thrilled with this opportunity. The college continues to grow in enrollment and academic offerings and I look forward to continuing our history of academic excellence while meeting the health care needs of our communities,” she said.
Cahalan has been the academic dean for the College of Health Sciences (CHS) since April 2005. CHS offers doctoral programs in physical therapy, master’s degree programs in physician assistant studies, public health and health care administration and a certificate program in gerontology. The college offers classes in evening, weekend and online formats.
Prior to becoming academic dean, Cahalan served as associate dean for student, alumni and clinical affairs. Before that she was the director of the physician assistant program and an associate professor in the physician assistant program. She has been a Des Moines University faculty member since 1989.
Des Moines University president, Governor Terry Branstad said, “I am confident that under Ms. Cahalan’s leadership, the College of Health Sciences will continue to grow and prosper.”
Cahalan is the first female dean of CHS. The CHS student body is nearly 75% women.
She replaces Dr. Gil Ramirez who took a position in California.