North Columbus News

The Ohio State University has appointed Paula H. Song as the new dean of its College of Public Health, effective July 9, pending approval from the Board of Trustees. Song is currently the Richard M. Bracken Chair of the Department of Health Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and a professor there since 2020.

Song will be responsible for guiding the college's strategic vision and leadership to achieve its goals in educating future public health leaders and fostering research and innovation among faculty, staff, and students both locally and globally.

Ohio State Executive Vice President and Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda expressed confidence in Song's ability to lead: “As a leader, Paula is committed to building strong, collaborative teams,” he said. “She believes that creating a space where every voice is heard and valued is crucial for achieving academic and operational excellence, and I am excited for the college’s future under her leadership.”

Previously serving as interim dean at VCU's College of Health Professions from 2023-24, Song also directed residential master’s programs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in their Department of Health Policy and Management.

Returning to Ohio State marks a homecoming for Song, who began her faculty career there in 2007 as an assistant professor in the Division of Health Services Management and Policy. She remarked on her return: “It is such a privilege to return and lead this fantastic college,” she said. “There is so much talent, passion and dedication among the faculty and staff."

Song’s research primarily focuses on financial management within healthcare organizations and how payment policies affect patient-provider experiences. Her work has been featured in numerous peer-reviewed journals.

Song completed her PhD in health services organization and policy along with two master's degrees from the University of Michigan; she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Expressing enthusiasm about returning to Ohio State, Song stated: “Returning to Ohio State feels like coming full circle... I am deeply committed...to the success of our students, faculty, and staff.”

Ohio State's College of Public Health holds significant rankings: it stands first in Ohio for accredited public health colleges while nationally ranked specialties include Master of Health Administration (8), biostatistics (22), epidemiology (25), among others.

Karla Zadnik has been serving as interim dean since 2023 while also acting as interim executive vice president through January 2025 before recruiting Song back to Ohio State. Upon assuming her role on July 9th by Song taking over leadership responsibilities within CPH—Zadnik will resume duties overseeing operations within OSU Optometry division again following this transition period into new tenure hereupon completing onboarding process successfully per procedural requirements established therein further developments underway accordingly thereafter meanwhile transitioning into respective capacities seamlessly moving forward ahead accordingly herein thus far likewise effectively overall thereby ensuring continuity across all fronts involved therein ongoing basis throughout entire duration thereof adequately met satisfactorily altogether going forward collectively alongside respective counterparts correspondingly throughout entirety thereof additionally moving onwards forthwith consequently thereby facilitating smooth transition smoothly henceforth progressing onwards correspondingly appropriately consistently ultimately reaching desired outcomes efficiently 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