When Mary Haven was named associate dean of UNMC’s School of Allied Health Professions in 1995, she had an idea of how long she’d stay in the position.
“I thought 10 years was a good time to be associate dean and see things through,” Haven said. “After that I thought it would be time for new ideas.”
Now, capping her 10th year, Haven has announced plans to step down as associate dean at the end of June, or when a successor is found.
The timing is good, Haven said from her office in Swanson Hall. “The school is doing very well. We have strong academic programs. We’ve increased our grant funding substantially and in the last two years, have received some NIH funding. Federal funding has increased from less than $100,000 to more than $1.25 million. It is now time for a new leader to build on these successes.”
Haven joined UNMC on March 1, 1968, as a clinical chemist in pathology/microbiology and medical technology. She became associate dean in 1995, succeeding Reba Benschoter, Ph.D., who also spent 10 years in the role.
“It’s been a series of building blocks with everyone making the program stronger,” Haven said. “Reba was a strong associate dean and really consolidated the school. She realized the importance of serving rural Nebraska and started the history of obtaining federal dollars in the school.”
During her tenure, Haven has expanded the distance-learning program beyond that of most allied health schools and colleges. By this fall, SAHP will have four programs offered by distance learning: medical technology, radiation therapy, radiography and cytotechnology.
“We’ve been able to reach rural Nebraska and fulfill the needs of Nebraskans through distance education,” Haven said.
In addition, the school is partnering with other institutions to expand its distance learning across the region and nation, Haven said, crediting the work of the SAHP faculty who she called “pioneers in distance learning” and the support of Information Technology Services and the Learning Environment and Internet Services personnel.
Upon retiring, Haven and her husband, UNMC ophthalmologist Gerald Christensen, M.D., plan to travel. She also intends to stay involved with international programs at the medical center.