Iona Names Founding Dean of NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences

BCW Member Iona College has announced that Kavita R. Dhanwada, Ph.D. has been named founding dean of the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences. She joins Iona effective July 1, 2022.

“Following an extensive national search, Iona College is proud to welcome a forward-thinking, determined and committed leader to help develop the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences,” said Iona College President Seamus Carey, Ph.D. “Dean Dhanwada’s strong reputation for collaborative innovation and proven track record of thoughtful leadership will continue to elevate the Iona experience for our students, faculty and the communities we serve.”

“Iona College is at a pivotal time in its distinguished history. The collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian to expand its programs represents its potential to be a leader for health sciences education,” Dhanwada said. “I am honored and excited to be joining at such an important moment. My background and experience have not only prepared me for the challenge, but called me in service to accomplish the critical work ahead.”

Since 2017, Dhanwada has been serving as founding dean of the Borra College of Health Sciences at Dominican University in River Forest, Ill. She is ideally positioned to develop Iona’s new premier school in collaboration with New York’s #1 hospital, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Established in July 2021 and supported by a $20 million gift, the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences will be primarily located on Iona’s new 28-acre campus in Bronxville, N.Y. It is expected to be a model for mission-based collaboration between higher education and health care in service of the public good, offering unparalleled access to clinical placements and full-time career opportunities.

“The appointment of Dean Dhanwada is an important and exciting step forward in the process of establishing the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Health Sciences as a new center of educational excellence,” said Steven J. Corwin, President and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian. “We look forward to working together to train generations of highly qualified, truly passionate health care professionals who are equipped to rise and adapt to new challenges.”