Bridgett Piernik-Yoder, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, a highly respected academic leader, educator and scholar, has been named dean of the School of Health Professions following a national search. Her appointment, announced by Francisco G. Cigarroa, MD, senior executive vice president for health affairs and health system, took effect Nov. 1.
“Throughout her career, Dr. Piernik-Yoder has helped strengthen academic programs, foster faculty development, advance interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance the student experience,” Cigarroa said. “Her longstanding service to the university, combined with her collaborative approach to leadership, provides a strong foundation for leading the School of Health Professions into its next chapter.”
A professor with tenure, Piernik-Yoder has served in numerous leadership roles within the School of Health Professions, including vice dean for academic and faculty affairs, associate dean for academic affairs, chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy and program director of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.
Piernik-Yoder has received numerous awards and commendations for teaching excellence and service to the occupational therapy profession at the institutional, state and national level. A member of the American Occupational Therapy Association Roster of Fellows, Piernik-Yoder served as president of The University of Texas Kenneth I. Shine Academy of Health Science Education from 2024 to 2025, and received the UT System Board of Regents Outstanding Teaching Award in 2023.
She is the project director of Project ASPIRE, a five-year, $1.2 million workforce development project funded by the Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs. The project seeks to address the shortage of highly qualified occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists trained to serve school-age children with high-intensity needs, such as autism, speech and language disorders and developmental delays.
Piernik-Yoder had served as interim dean of the school beginning in September following the retirement of Dean Emeritus David Shelledy, PhD, RRT, RPFT, FAARC, FASAHP. Under Shelledy’s 12 years of leadership, the School of Health Professions significantly expanded enrollment, research activity and academic program offerings. Piernik-Yoder is poised to build on that momentum, Cigarroa said.
“As dean, Dr. Piernik-Yoder will lead the school’s academic, research, clinical and service missions while building on its important role in educating the next generation of health professionals,” Cigarroa said. “She also will help strengthen collaboration across the university, expand community partnerships and advance innovation and scholarship that contribute to the health and well-being of the communities we serve.”
An alumna of the school’s occupational therapy program, Piernik-Yoder said she looks forward to what lies ahead for the school, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this academic year.
“I am humbled and thrilled to be named dean of the School of Health Professions,” Piernik-Yoder said. “I am grateful to the university leadership, search committee and the faculty, staff and students who took part in this process for their confidence in me.
“The School of Health Professions is dedicated to preparing graduates for the healthcare workforce, advancing research that improves health outcomes and providing vital clinical services. We have an incredibly strong foundation and such talented people across the school, along with amazing students and alumni. The future of our school has never looked brighter.”