Iona Names Dean of New NY-Presbyterian Iona School

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Years from now, when students and alumni walk a hall lined with the portraits of former deans of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences in Bronxville, only one dean will be the founding dean.

Kavita Dhanwada, has been named the founding dean of the newly founded school, Iona College announced on Thursday.

She comes to the school after serving as founding dean of the Borra College of Health Sciences at Dominican University since 2017. Dhanwada is ideally positioned to develop Iona’s new school in collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian, school officials said announcing the high-profile hiring.

She will join Iona beginning in July.

"Following an extensive national search, Iona College is proud to welcome a forward-thinking, determined and committed leader to help develop the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences," Iona College President Seamus Carey said. "Dean Dhanwada’s strong reputation for collaborative innovation and proven track record of thoughtful leadership will continue to elevate the Iona experience for our students, faculty and the communities we serve."

Established in July 2021 and supported by a $20 million gift, the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences will be primarily located on Iona’s new 28-acre campus in Bronxville. It is envisioned to be "a model for mission-based collaboration between higher education and health care in service of the public good, offering unparalleled access to clinical placements and full-time career opportunities."

NewYork-Presbyterian was recently ranked as the #1 hospital by U.S. News & World Report.

"The appointment of Dean Dhanwada is an important and exciting step forward in the process of establishing the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences as a new center of educational excellence," NewYork-Presbyterian CEO Steven Corwin said. "We look forward to working together to train generations of highly qualified, truly passionate health care professionals who are equipped to rise and adapt to new challenges."

“Iona College is at a pivotal time in its distinguished history," Dhanwada said. "The collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian to expand its programs represents its potential to be a leader for health sciences education. I am honored and excited to be joining at such an important moment. My background and experience have not only prepared me for the challenge, but called me in service to accomplish the critical work ahead.”

Keeping in line with Iona's stated plans for the school, Dhanwada’s experience has focused on promoting inter-professional education to build practical knowledge through experiential learning. Notably, she introduced a new degree program at Dominican University, a Bachelor of Applied Science. She also developed a new undergraduate major, a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness.

During her tenure at Dominican University, Dhanwada became project director for a $5 million Department of Education Title III-F HSI STEM grant that aims to recruit and retain more Hispanic, low-income and first-generation students into STEM by providing academic support services in a culturally responsive and inclusive manner.

Dhanwada said she will be bringing the lessons learned to her new position.

"Iona College’s mission embodies opportunity, justice and the liberating power of education," said. "I believe a new School of Health Sciences, and the programs within, can exemplify this mission and foster intellectual inquiry, community engagement and an appreciation for diversity."