Dr. Kimberly Watson New Vice President of Academic Affairs at Mercy College of Ohio
Kimberly Watson, EdD, MBA, RHIA, was promoted to Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty while retaining her rank as Professor of Health Sciences at Mercy College of Ohio (Mercy College.)
In her new role, Dr. Watson will oversee the academic affairs of Mercy College, providing strategic direction and leadership to ensure the continued growth and success of academic programs. Her vision includes enhancing faculty development, promoting innovative teaching and learning practices, strengthening the student experience, and building meaningful relationships within the community.
Mercy College President Trevor M. Bates, DHSc, AT, ATC stated, “Dr. Kimberly Watson exemplifies inclusive and decisive leadership, representing faculty while fostering collaboration and mutual respect. She has spent her career advocating for students, faculty, and the College, promoting shared governance and teamwork, and coordinating efforts to achieve strategic goals. Balancing authority with collegiality, Dr. Watson builds trust through transparency and consistency, leading by example.”
Serving the Mercy Health ministry for over 35 years, Dr. Watson has been a valuable member of Mercy College of Ohio since 1997, serving in various administrative and faculty roles. Most recently, she excelled as the Dean of the Division of Health Sciences and Director of the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program.
Dr. Watson holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies with a cognate in Higher Education Administration from Bowling Green State University. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from Tiffin University and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Records Administration from Bowling Green State University. Additionally, she is a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
Throughout her career at Mercy College, Dr. Watson has demonstrated a profound commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Some of her notable accomplishments include:
Graduate Program Development: Spearheaded the development and approval of the MHA program and contributed to the successful accreditation of the MPAS program.
Leadership in Accreditation: Played a critical role in preparing for multiple Higher Learning Commission (HLC) site visits, leading to continued accreditation with no citations.
Distance Education: Led institutional efforts to achieve HLC blanket approval to offer online degree programs and courses.
Committee Leadership: Chaired and served on various influential committees, including the HLC Steering Committee, Graduate Studies Committee, and Interprofessional Education Steering Committee.
Curriculum and Policy Development: Oversaw the development of graduate education policies, curricula, and assessment activities, ensuring high standards of academic quality.
Professional Contributions: Contributed to the field through publications, presentations at national, state, and local conferences, co-writing funded grant applications, holding elected positions in professional associations, and serving as an adjunct doctorate dissertation committee advisor at Bowling Green State University.
