Kim Crowley selected as next dean of health sciences at Amarillo College

Crowley, who is presently the associate dean of health sciences, will succeed Mark Rowh, the longtime dean who recently announced his plans to retire.

Rowh has agreed to remain with AC through next fall semester, serving in an advisory capacity to help ensure the smoothest possible transition in healthcare leadership. While Crowley will begin her new duties in earnest on Sept. 1, 2018, she will officially assume the title, dean of health sciences, upon Rowh’s departure from the College in January 2019.

“Nervous, excited and humbled — I’m all of those things — but I’m ready to jump in with both feet,” said Crowley, who emerged from a field of 11 applicants for the post.

“I’m looking forward to supporting our outstanding faculty and staff as this College continues to develop the kind of workforce that for years has provided our city and our region with an exceptionally high level of healthcare professionals.”

Crowley brings not only administrative expertise to her new role, but also the hands-on experience of a registered nurse. She earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from West Texas A&M University and spent a decade with Baptist Saint Anthony’s Health System, first as an oncology education coordinator, then as a pediatric nurse.

Crowley began her career at AC in 2005 as a coordinator of continuing education. She became the director of AC’s Center for Continuing Healthcare Education in 2008, and she was named associate dean of health sciences in 2015.

“Kim is a phenomenal administrator,” said Dr. Tamara Clunis, vice president of academic affairs. “She has the right background to do the work needed to continue Mark Rowh’s amazing legacy of program growth and community relations.”

As the dean of health sciences, Crowley will be responsible for the oversight of 20 programs of study — academic and continuing education — everything from dental assisting and nursing to respiratory care and surgical technology.