Akinci set to become new Duquesne health sciences school dean

Raymond Arke | Asst. News Editor

A professional with international experience will take over as dean of Duquesne students in health sciences majors.

Last week, it was announced that Fevzi Akinci, formerly a professor and administrator at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, will become the new dean of Rangos School of Health Sciences starting this July.

In a statement to The Duke, Akinci described his background in the field. He received his undergraduate degree in health administration from Hacettepe University in Turkey. Both his Master’s in health administration and a doctorate of health services research come from St. Louis University.

Currently, Akinci is the associate dean of the William G. McGowan School of Business at King’s College, along with being the director of and professor in their Graduate Healthcare Administration program. He has taught there since 2012.

Before his work at King’s College, Akinci taught at Zirve University in Turkey. There he was the vice president for academic affairs and was the founding dean and professor of faculty of economics and administrative sciences.

Akinci got his start at Washington State University where he was an associate professor in the health policy and administration department and taught a variety of graduate courses in the health care fields.

He also cited his extensive background in his research field.

“[I have] an established track record in research as a Principal or Co-Principal Investigator with over $1.6 million funded research projects,” he said in his statement.

Akinci said he is excited to start his new position, and he hopes to help advance the Rangos School.

“I look forward to leading the John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences to become one of the top Catholic health sciences schools both nationally and internationally,” he said.

Akinci said he looks to make the Rangos school more interconnected with other programs at Duquesne and within the community.

“[My] key priorities include collaborative interdisciplinary research between departments, other colleges, Nursing, Pharmacy, Business, etc. as well as with other leading research universities … [and] developing collaborative outreach [and] public engagement programs to highlight faculty and student success,” he said.

President Ken Gormley said the search for the new dean was an important one that took time because of the reputation of the Rangos School.

“The Rangos School of Health Sciences has consistently grown in stature and reputation – both in this region and nationally – over the past two decades. We wanted to find a dean with impeccable scholarly credentials who had the vision and experience to lead the Rangos School to the next level of excellence,” he said.

The search committee Duquesne put together, led by Mary Ellen Glasgow, dean of the Nursing School, was called “top-notch” by Gormley. He also cited the “invaluable” help of students, other faculty,” and the interim Rangos School Dean, Paula Turocy.

President Gormley had warm words for Akinci as he takes the reins.

“Dr. Fevzi Akinci is a dynamic leader who has a bold vision for the Rangos School … he’s a warm, enthusiastic, deeply dedicated individual who puts the interests of his students and faculty colleagues first in all of his work,” he said.

Akinci has made a positive impact in his previous positions, Gormley explained.

“Across the board, colleagues and students have praised Dr. Akinci for his boundless energy, his ability to think creatively to grow programs, and his unique ability to work with colleagues to bring out the best talent in each individual on his academic team,” he said.

Gormley said he is very excited for Akinci to take over the position.

“We are looking forward, very much, to his arrival on the Bluff. He will be a wonderful addition to the Duquesne family,” Gormley said.