UNF appoints Dr. Mei Zhao as Brooks College of Health dean
The University of North Florida is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Mei Zhao as dean of the Brooks College of Health (BCH), following a highly impactful tenure as interim dean. A nationally recognized leader in health administration education and research, Zhao brings more than 30 years of academic excellence, strategic vision and global engagement experience to the role.
Since stepping in as interim, Zhao led BCH through a period of remarkable growth and momentum. Under her leadership, the college achieved a more than 10% increase in student enrollment, launched the innovative Doctor of Health Administration program and secured more than $4.7 million in private funding along with approximately $1.1 million from the state’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) initiative to support student success and academic innovation. Additionally, the college’s physical therapy program earned a 10-year reaccreditation, reaffirming its status as a top-tier program in the region.
“It is my great pleasure to appoint Dr. Mei Zhao as dean of the Brooks College of Health,” said Dr. Karen Patterson, UNF provost. “Dr. Zhao exemplifies the highest values and aspirations of our University in prioritizing groundbreaking research, launching innovative programs, securing critical funding and expanding global engagement.”
Zhao first joined the UNF faculty in 2004. Previously as chair of the Department of Health Administration, Zhao led the successful reaccreditation of both the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Bachelor of Healthcare Management programs through 2030. The MHA program rose to national prominence with a Top 100 ranking by U.S. News & World Report and earned praise from the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). She also oversaw the launch of the executive MHA and health informatics programs, expanding access to purpose-driven graduate education for working professionals.
“It is a privilege to serve at a university like UNF, where student empowerment, faculty and staff support, and community well-being are at the heart of our mission,” said Dr. Zhao. “I am deeply honored to continue leading the Brooks College of Health and am confident that, together with the BCH’s amazing faculty and staff, we will shape the future of healthcare education, research and service with purpose and passion.”
A prolific scholar and grant recipient, Zhao has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and secured over $1.5 million in research and education funding, including international awards supporting global health education. Her academic contributions have earned prestigious recognition, including the UNF Distinguished Professor Award (2021), the Most Cited Paper Award (2024), and the Edgar C. Hayhow Article of the Year (2019) from the ACHE.
Zhao is a passionate advocate for global health education. She has led 10 international study abroad programs and founded the UNF Global Health Administration Certificate program, fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration in healthcare leadership.
Zhao’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the BCH and reinforces the University’s mission to focus on faculty/staff success, prepare students for brighter futures, champion community impact and lead with vision and vitality in healthcare education and research.