Kyle Meyer, PhD, founding dean of the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions, has announced his decision to step down next summer, after 20 years of leading allied health at UNMC, and 35 years at UNMC. Dr. Meyer began as associate dean in 2006, served as senior associate dean and was named founding dean by then-Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, in 2015 when the school transitioned to collegiate status.
“Dr. Meyer has been a transformational dean for the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions,” said H. Dele Davies, MD, interim chancellor of UNMC. “Highly regarded and respected by faculty, staff and students, Dr. Meyer has made significant contributions that have led the area to grow from a school to a nationally renowned college.”
Dr. Meyer will continue to lead the college for the next year, while UNMC prepares to conduct a search for his replacement, Dr. Davies said. Dr. Meyer has committed to serving as dean until such a replacement has been named. He also will continue as interim assistant vice chancellor for health care workforce education and relations. In this role, he works to oversee and expand the team in the Office of Rural Health, ensure continuous leadership to bring the Kearney expansion project to fruition and continue to pursue the expansion and training of preceptors in UNMC’s rural Nebraska communities.
Dr. Meyer holds four degrees from the University of Nebraska System. He is a UNMC and University of Nebraska at Omaha alumnus, having received his physical therapy degree and a master’s in anatomy from UNMC and master’s and doctoral degrees in public administration from UNO. He began his career in pediatric physical therapy, where he practiced for more than 20 years. He was instrumental in developing the first pediatric physical therapy department at what is now Children’s Nebraska.
In 1991, he was hired by his former UNMC physical therapy program classmate, Pat Hageman, PhD, to return to his alma mater as a faculty member. In 2006, he was tapped to lead the School of Allied Health Professions, which was then a unit within the UNMC College of Medicine. Under his leadership, the former school eventually became UNMC’s sixth college in 2015, joining medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and public health.
Allied health professions comprise about 60% of the national health care workforce, and with 14 health professions programs at UNMC, the college boasts the second highest enrollment among UNMC colleges. The UNMC College of Allied Health Professions is known as a national leader in distance education, pedagogy and rural health. It has grown exponentially in enrollment, scholarship, philanthropic support and more under Dr. Meyer’s leadership, and especially since becoming a college.
Dr. Meyer has overseen the expansion of multiple health professions programs to UNMC’s Kearney campus at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, boosting the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions’ impact on opportunities for and service to Nebraskans who live in the state’s rural and underserved areas.
“Serving in leadership at UNMC has been the greatest joy and reward of my career,” Dr. Meyer said. “I am indebted to so many individuals who supported and mentored me over many years. And I am of course indebted to the past and current members of the college.
“My goal has been relatively simple over the years – to increase awareness of the allied health professions and recognize these professionals for their significant contributions to the U.S. health care system. The outstanding members of the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions have embraced this vision and are the ones who advance it every day. The college has never been in a better place.”
Kyle, you have left an incredible legacy and footprint on this city. But more than that, you are revered for your authentic and inspiring leadership. I am blessed to have worked alongside you. Best wishes!
Congratulations on an incredible tenure as Dean of Allied Health! Your leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication have made a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the allied health professions. You embody the commitment and passion that make UNMC such an extraordinary place to learn, work, and lead. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter—you’ve truly set a high standard for all who follow.
As a former classmate of Kyle in the MPA program, it has been amazing to watch how much he has done to take the COAH to new heights. Well done, Dr. Meyer!
Congrats on a job well done!
Good morning, Dean Meyer,
Thank you for your exemplary and outstanding accomplishments in bringing the current status of UNMC College of Allied Health!!!🙏🙏🙏
Amazing career Kyle. Congratulations
Congratulations Dean Meyer (Kyle) on your dedicated leadership and service to the CAHP and UNMC!
Kyle: Congrats on a stellar career and leadership role at UNMC. Whatever you do moving forward, I know it will be first rate.
Irv Zucker
Dr. Meyer, it has been a profound honor to know and work with you. Your achievements with CAHP are not only impressive but also a testament to your enduring legacy.
From dusk to dawn, what a “Great Run” at UNMC, Kyle. You leave behind a legacy of accomplishments that few can, or will be able, to match. All the best in everything the future holds. Take care, and enjoy life after UNMC.
Dean Kyle Meyer is a once in a generation talent – a visionary, humble, courageous and authentic leader who led the faculty, staff and learners in Allied Health from a school to a college with an enormous impact on Nebraska’s workforce. Behind the scenes, he is a consummate leadership coach, mentor and sponsor who has raised up generations of leaders to the highest levels. And beyond all of the accolades, he remains a friend whose sense of humor is legendary. Congrats on a job well done, Kyle!
Way to go, Pops! You inspire your sons. Longevity in the same institution is rare these days. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Dean Kyle Meyer has been an exceptional leader whose vision, humility, and genuine character have left a lasting mark on Allied Health education. Thanks to your leadership, what began as a School became an thriving College across multiple campuses, strengthening Nebraska’s healthcare workforce and elevating the allied health professions in ways that will be felt for years to come. I hope everyone understands the immeasurable impact you have made to all our Allied Health professions.
Your dedication to mentoring others has had a deep impact on so many people in the College, myself included- inspiring us to lead with confidence, purpose, and perspective. I owe so much of my development to your guidance and generosity.
Congratulations on an extraordinary tenure. You’ve shown what thoughtful, forward-looking leadership can accomplish, and you’ve set the bar high for everyone who follows. I hope the next chapter brings you as much fulfillment and joy as you’ve given to those around you. Thank you for everything.
As a faculty member in the UNMC College of Nursing-Kearney Division, I want to express my deep gratitude for Dr. Meyer’s visionary leadership. His care for and investment in the future of the health professions, both within and beyond allied health, have had a profound impact on our Kearney community. With grace and insight, he has helped move forward initiatives that reflect a deep understanding of rural health and the vital role of nursing. Thank you, Dr. Meyer, you will be missed!
Kyle, congratulations on your outstanding performance as a leader of the School and then College of Allied Health Professions. Your contributions to UNMC have been remarkable and it was an honor and pleasure to work with you.
Kyle Meyer will go down in the history books as one of UNMC’s greatest deans of all-time. Best of all, he’s an even better person – as nice a guy as you will ever meet. Congrats on a job exceedingly well done, buddy. Enjoy the next chapter and thanks for all you did – you truly made a difference.
Congratulations Kyle! Every comment written about you is true. You will always be one of my favorite bosses – and I am fortunate to have worked for you in the CAHP. Whatever you choose to do next, there is no doubt you will be successful and still be the humble person you have always been. Best wishes to you and Deb!
I would echo all of the previous comments and add that I too feel fortunate to know you. Your calm and steady approach to work and life are inspirational!! Best wishes for the future!!
Dr. Meyer, Kyle, I remember through my 20 plus years at UNMC how you grew within the P.T. Department, the School of Allied Health, and the fruition of establishing a College of Allied Health Professions. Not an easy task in today’s competitive health profession world.
Your vison, caring attitude and
remarkable ability to pull the individual Colleges leadership, alumni and Nebraska communities together along with support of the NU Regents made the new College a reality! What a memory to have along with the “well known Meyer boys ” and your wonderful wife beside you!
Cheers to your accomplishments and especially all your relationships with rural Nebraska that have truly been a landmark in the efforts of increasing access to rural health across Nebraska!
Best always to you – remember all the great work you have done and the chance to make a vision a reality.
Now, sit back and smile and enjoy life the way you always should continue to do!
Roxanna Jokela – former proud member of the UNMC efforts to support rural health across the State!
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Kyle, Congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy retirement. It was my great fortune to work with you in the CDC clinic at Childrens years ago and to know you, Deb and your boys who I was honored to be pediatrician to for years. Your contributions to UNMC are inspirational!
Your contribution in many ways will never be duplicated!
Kyle,
Thanks for your many years of leadership. You have been a tremendous leader and collaborator at UNMC and your contributions will continue on long into the future. Congratulations.
Clark
Dr. Meyer,
I have always been grateful to have had you as a professor during my years as a PT student. Thank you for all you have done in service of others! God bless you and your work.
Best wishes to you on your next chapter. Thank you for all you have done for the Division (now Department ) of Physical Therapy Education and the CAHP. A pleasure working with you for many years .
Congratulations on a job well done, Dr. Meyer. We applaud your commitment to exemplary and transformational leadership. You have left behind an unmatched legacy with many shovels to fill! I thoroughly enjoyed your leadership conversations, which have left an indelible impression on me.