Charlotte Brasic Royeen, PhD, to Retire as Dean of College of Health Sciences

After nearly a decade serving as dean of the College of Health Sciences, Charlotte Brasic Royeen, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, FASAHP, FNAP, has decided to retire after the fall 2023 term on Dec. 31.

“Dr. Royeen has been a faculty and student’s dream of the perfect dean,” says Diane Howard, PhD, FACHE, professor, Health Systems Management, CHS. “She is interested in faculty and student satisfaction. She wants to know about your teaching, research and service and enhance resources so you can do a better job and students can have a stellar experience at RUSH.”

Royeen has received numerous recognitions for her work in the field of occupational therapy. This includes the Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award — the highest scholarly award bestowed by the American Occupational Therapy Association. In 2016, she was named the A. Watson Armour III and Sarah Armour Presidential Professor at RUSH, which recognizes special excellence as an academic leader in the biomedical sciences. She has published more than 23 books, 27 book chapters, 85 peer journal articles and 24 assorted media publications, and she received nearly $4.5 million in competitive research grant funding over the course of her career.

Royeen received her Bachelor of Science summa cum laude from Tufts University, Master of Science in occupational therapy at Washington University School of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

“Culture is difficult to change, but under Royeen’s leadership, she has built a community of faculty that is collaborative and works for the common good of all the programs,” says Mary Jo Guglielmo, MPH, assistant dean and assistant professor, Department of Undergraduate Studies. “Her positive attitude, understanding of educational norms, approachability and willingness to engage in academic discourse have positively improved the climate of the college.”

During her time as dean, Royeen led the transition of CHS programs from quarters to semesters and ensured faculty had the resources and guidance they needed to move forward with the transition. She has also been instrumental in the creation of the new DPT program that is currently awaiting approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

“Her experience in higher education has been invaluable in building our college within a university,” says Maribeth L. Flaws, PhD, MLS(ASCP)CM SM, SI, chairperson, Department of Medical Laboratory Science. “She has led us through many challenges, and we have all come out better because of her leadership.”

Royeen has also been deeply involved in ensuring faculty development. She provided funds, including opening the endowment to support the professional development of faculty and staff, allowing them to learn through unique experiences.

As dean of CHS, Royeen has also been committed to community and has centered CHS as community learners, educators, practitioners, and researchers. Under her leadership community-centered programs have been created, including the SCOPE program which provides free speech and audiology services.

“Royeen is leaving a lasting legacy at RUSH that won’t soon be forgotten,” says Larry Goodman, MD, interim president, RUSH University. Her mentorship has allowed her students, faculty and staff to be successful, and through her leadership, CHS has had the opportunity to perform at its highest level. She has also been a great partner to the other deans, Interim Provost Dr. Christine Kennedy and me, which has led to improvements well beyond her college. We look forward to opportunities closer to her time of retirement to celebrate and thank her.”

More information about the College of Health Sciences’ transition leadership as well as the timing of the search for a new dean will be announced soon.