Owens Community College (OCC) in Toledo, Ohio, has named Dr. Teddy Farias as the new dean of its School of Nursing and Health Professions. The appointment took effect on Monday, October 26, and marks a fresh chapter for the college’s growing health‑education programs.
Leadership vision rooted in community and partnership
“There’s a lot of great things going on here,” Dr. Farias said at his introductory remarks. “The leadership is great. This facility, the Healthcare Education Center, is state‑of‑the‑art compared to other facilities. It has all of the allied health programs along with nursing, which a lot of other places don’t have.” He added that he looks forward to learning from students, faculty, staff, K‑12 partners, higher‑education collaborators, local industry and the broader community.
Extensive experience in health‑science education
Before joining OCC, Dr. Farias served eight years as dean of Health and Natural Sciences at San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas. Earlier roles include dean of Health Sciences at the Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology in Kansas, dean of Health Sciences at San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, and department chair of Health Sciences at Kaplan University in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Born in Missouri, Dr. Farias earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri, a Master of Science in Higher Education from Purdue Global, and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Logan University. His academic background blends science, education administration and clinical expertise, positioning him to guide OCC’s nursing and allied‑health curricula.
Continuity and transition
Dr. Farias replaces longtime dean Cathy Ford, who retired in July 2025 after 43 years of service to Owens Community College. During the interim period, Dr. Michael Sander, dean of Liberal Arts, oversaw the school’s operations.
The new dean’s arrival coincides with OCC’s ongoing efforts to expand health‑profession training for the region’s workforce. The Healthcare Education Center, described by Dr. Farias as “state‑of‑the‑art,” houses simulation labs, clinical skill rooms and collaborative spaces designed to prepare students for modern health‑care environments.
Community impact
Local health providers and industry leaders have expressed optimism about the appointment, noting that a strong nursing and allied‑health pipeline is essential for Ohio’s growing medical needs. Dr. Farias emphasized his commitment to forging deeper ties with hospitals, clinics and regional employers, ensuring that graduates are ready to meet real‑world demands.
“I’m excited to learn and immerse myself in the community,” he said. “Together we can continue to build a program that serves both students and the health‑care ecosystem of Northwest Ohio.”
Owens Community College expects the new leadership to sustain the momentum of its health‑profession programs, attract more students to nursing careers and strengthen partnerships that benefit both the college and the local economy.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
