Washburn University names new dean for School of Applied Studies

Washburn University has named Dr. Zach Frank as the new dean of the School of Applied Studies.  Frank has been acting dean of the school since June 2021 when the previous dean retired.  He has been overseeing all of the education programs and providing leadership to the school which offers degrees in a number of areas including criminal justice, allied health, family and human services, and social work.

Frank joined Washburn University in 2011 as assistant program director and professor in the Physical Therapist Assistant program.  In 2018, he moved to the Master of Health Science in Healthcare Education program and became associate dean of the school in 2019.

“The School of Applied Studies is the second largest school within Washburn University,” said Dr. Jerry Farley, president of Washburn.  “Each of the schools within the university meets certain critical needs, but the School of Applied Studies graduates respond directly to community and state needs and fill vital roles.”

The School of Applied Studies was created in 1983 to provide a home for a growing number of professional and technical programs offered by the university, according to Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, vice president of academic affairs.  She noted that the programs all have a common thread of service in the community and need a leader who truly understands the mission.

“We are fortunate to have someone who is already here with the background and experience to step into this important role,” said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, vice president of academic affairs.  “Zach has a passion for the School of Applied Studies and its students and faculty and is well suited as the new leader in a quickly-changing environment.”

Frank is a native of Kansas and earned his bachelor of science in biology from Pittsburg State University.  He later earned a master of science degree in health care administration from Marshall University and then went on to earn his doctorate in physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.  He also holds a post graduate certificate in health care education from Washburn.