Dean Culpepper, Ph.D., is the dean of the new College of Health Sciences at Sul Ross State University, effective Nov. 1.
The new College, which was established by authority of the Texas State University System Board of Regents at their regular November meeting last week, includes the Nursing, Kinesiology and Health Sciences (pre-med, pre-dental) programs, which had previously been a part of the College of Agriculture, Life and Physical Sciences.
“We welcome Dr. Dean Culpepper to our growing academic leadership team. With extensive experience in educational leadership, curriculum development and program building, Dr. Culpepper brings a wealth of expertise to our institution,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Bernie Cantens, Ph.D. “We are excited about his vision and leadership as we shape the identity and strategic direction of the new College of Health Sciences.”
Dr. Culpepper received his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Berry College in Georgia. He received his master’s degree in Physical Education and his doctoral degree in Kinesiology, both from the University of Houston.
He was an instructor and researcher at the University of Houston and an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and then Lubbock Christian University before being named as the chair of Health and Physical Education at Eastern New Mexico University and then, most recently, at A&M Commerce from 2021-2024.
Dr. Culpepper has served as the editor of the journal for the Texas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and on several of its committees for finance, research and professional preparation.
He is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society for education, the American Psychological Association, the Association of Applied Sports Psychology and the United States Center for Coaching Excellence.
Sul Ross State University announced last week that the College of Health Sciences will be housed in downtown Alpine in what had been the TransPecos Bank building on the corner of 5th Street and Avenue E. Classes are expected to begin there in January.
For more information, email dean.culpepper@sulross.edu.
Photo: Dr. Dean Culpepper