Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at Texas Christian University, has appointed Christopher R. Watts, Ph.D. as dean of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences.
Watts has served as professor and director of TCU’s Davies School of Communication Sciences & Disorders and director of the graduate program in Speech-Language Pathology since 2008. Additionally, he served as assistant dean for Strategic Initiatives in Harris College from 2015-2018, where he led the development of a new Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan for the college. As director of the Davies School, Watts is credited with leading growth in undergraduate enrollments by 60 percent and graduate enrollments by 70 percent. Under his leadership, the Davies School underwent a major renovation, increased revenue from its clinical enterprise by 50 percent and substantially increased graduate financial aid for students. Watt is also a professor in the Department of Medical Education at the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine.
As dean, Watts’ primary responsibilities will involve articulating a vision and strategic plan for enhancing academic programs and curriculum; serving as the leading advocate for faculty, staff and students; directing fiscal management and growing research initiatives.
“Christopher Watts’ leadership as assistant dean for Strategic Initiatives for Harris College has perfectly positioned him to advance global health education and innovation while building on the excellent reputation of the college,” said Dahlberg.
Watts earned his BS in Speech & Hearing Science and his Ph.D. in Communication Sciences & Disorders from the University of South Alabama. He is an active member of numerous professional associations, including American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association, International Association of Logopedics & Phoniatrics and the Voice Foundation, among others.
Watts will begin his tenure as dean June 1, 2019.