Mark Merrick, Ph.D., has been selected as dean of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Health Professions following an extensive nationwide search.
As the current dean and professor of the University of Toledo’s College of Health and Human Services, Merrick brings deep experience in academic leadership and nationally recognized work to UAB.
“UAB’s School of Health Professions is a national leader in cutting-edge research and the education of the next generation of professionals focused on improving the health and well-being of people in the state and beyond,” said Janet Woodruff-Borden, Ph.D., senior vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. “As dean, Dr. Merrick will help advance how the School of Health Professions defines and delivers its education, research, clinical services and community engagement, building on the unique strengths of the school and of UAB.”
Merrick begins his role at UAB effective July 1, 2026.
“UAB is an established global leader on countless fronts,” Merrick said. “It has a cohesive culture, a shared vision and a trusted, effective leadership team. The institution is not satisfied with resting on its laurels. Rather, UAB’s vision on where it will go next is what truly excites me.”
At the University of Toledo, Merrick manages more than 35 health-focused degree and certificate programs. During his time as dean, he led the successful merger of two colleges, increased scholarship funding and improved student retention rates. Prior to this role, Merrick served for 20 years as the founding director of The Ohio State University’s Athletic Training Division in the College of Medicine, where he was instrumental in creating the university’s Bachelor of Science of Athletic Training program and scaling the program to national prominence. He was also on the faculties of Xavier University and Indiana State University.
“I am a people-first servant leader who brings a ‘can do’ mentality, clarity of direction and steadiness during change,” Merrick said. “This approach has allowed me to define my success through the success of the people and programs around me.”
Merrick has been named a fellow by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the National Academies of Practice and the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions. He is a former president of the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education and was awarded its highest honor, the Pete Koehneke Award, in 2019. He contributes to the future direction of health professions education through long-serving membership in the National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine’s Global Forum on Innovation. Merrick earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Toledo, his Master of Arts degree in athletic training from Indiana State University and his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Toledo.
“Dr. Merrick’s years of student-centered leadership and commitment to research excellence and faculty success align strongly with UAB’s mission and values,” Woodruff-Borden said. “His proven contributions to the field of health professions will only continue the incredible momentum at the School of Health Professions.”
Merrick succeeds Andrew J. Butler, Ph.D., who, as dean of the School of Health Professions, oversaw record milestones in research funding, national rankings and student enrollment. It is now the fastest-growing school at UAB and one of the largest health professions schools in the nation, with more than 20 programs and more than 40 offerings at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked the School of Health Professions No. 1 in America for Health Care Management.