Announcing the Division of Health Sciences at Tarleton State
Centered around Tarleton State University’s steadfast commitment to addressing the healthcare disparities that plague the state, the College of Health Sciences is being elevated to the Division of Health Sciences.
Creating this new division under vice president leadership strategically aligns each of the health science programs with an interprofessional focus to enhance the pathways available for students. This reorganization will be critical in helping address healthcare needs in rural Texas.
Dr. Elizabeth Palmarozzi, DO, FACOFP, has been appointed Vice President for the Division of Health Sciences and Executive Dean of the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine (applicant status — seeking accreditation). As part of the strategic restructuring, the School of Nursing, School of Kinesiology, and School of Health and Clinical Professions will become part of the new division, along with the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine.
During this time of change, an implementation team will be developed to assist with a seamless transition over the upcoming academic year. The academic affairs team will also be helping to support the streamlined transition. A form is available below to submit questions or topics of consideration to the implementation team.
With Dr. Palmarozzi guiding this new division, I am confident that we will uphold a culture of excellence and fulfill our obligation to steward the significant investment made possible by the Texas Legislature. She has capably served as Founding Dean of our proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine since April and has nearly four decades of experience ranging from academic leadership to time spent serving in patient healthcare. Our university continues to fulfill the workforce needs of the state of Texas. Forming the Division of Health Sciences represents the natural next step in our progression. This new administrative structure will enhance our coordination of healthcare for rural Texans, which is a key part of our mission as a university.
Dr. James Hurley, President of Tarleton State University
FAQs for Students and Key Stakeholders
Why is the College of Health Sciences moving to the Division of Health Sciences?
This move further solidifies the impact we can make on healthcare in our region and state. This change will foster collaboration, aligning all health science programs with an interprofessional focus to create clear pathways that directly address rural healthcare needs.
Who will lead the Division of Health Sciences?
Dr. Elizabeth Palmarozzi has been named the inaugural Vice President for the Division of Health Sciences and Executive Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has capably served as Founding Dean of our proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine since April and has nearly four decades of experience ranging from academic leadership to time spent serving in patient healthcare.
Will this change affect my degree program, degree plan, graduation timeline, course requirements or student academic support services for the upcoming academic school year?
No. For additional questions regarding these areas, students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor or visit the Health Sciences Academic Resource Hub at https://www.tarleton.edu/chs-resource-hub.
Will this affect internships, clinical placements or fieldwork opportunities?
No. For additional questions regarding these areas, students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor or visit the Health Sciences Academic Resource Hub at https://www.tarleton.edu/chs-resource-hub.
Who do I contact for questions about my major or department?
Please continue to work with the Health Sciences Academic Hub. Information can be found at https://www.tarleton.edu/chs-resource-hub.
Will this restructuring affect tuition or fees?
No. Fees for the 2025-2026 academic year will not change.
Will my program still be accredited under the new division?
Yes, accreditation statuses will not be impacted.
Will this change the admissions process?
No, applications to Tarleton State University are accepted at https://www.tarleton.edu/admissions/. More specific information for health science programs is also available at https://www.tarleton.edu/chs-resource-hub/.
Will this change impact donations or scholarships associated with the College of Health Sciences?
Donations and scholarships to the College of Health Sciences will now be directed to the Division of Health Sciences.
FAQs for Faculty & Staff
Why is the College of Health Sciences moving to the Division of Health Sciences?
This move further solidifies the impact we can make on healthcare in our region and state. This change will foster collaboration, aligning all health science programs with an interprofessional focus to create clear pathways that directly address rural healthcare needs.
Who will lead the Division of Health Sciences?
Dr. Elizabeth Palmarozzi has been named the inaugural Vice President for the Division of Health Sciences and Executive Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has capably served as Founding Dean of our proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine since April and has nearly four decades of experience ranging from academic leadership to time spent serving in patient healthcare.
What will happen to the School of Nursing, School of Kinesiology, and School of Health and Clinical Professions?
These academic areas will transition to the Division of Health Sciences. They will remain accredited schools and academic programs committed to preparing student for health-related career fields.
How will budget, hiring and support services be impacted?
There will be no impact on these areas for the upcoming fiscal year.
Is there a timeline for the restructuring?
The reorganization is effective immediately, in terms of reporting structure. An implementation team is being developed to facilitate a seamless transition over the upcoming academic year. To submit questions and topics of consideration to the implementation team, you may click the button at the bottom of this page.
What support is available to help navigate this change?
An implementation team is being developed to facilitate a seamless transition over the upcoming academic year. To submit questions and topics of consideration to the implementation team, click the button to the form on this page.
Is this part of a larger university-wide reorganization?
This reorganization will only impact health sciences.
Will clinical partners or external partnerships with the College of Health Sciences be impacted?
No, the partners will move with the realignment.
Who can I contact for more information or to ask a question not listed here?
An implementation team is being developed to assist with a seamless transition over the upcoming academic year. To submit questions and topics of consideration to the implementation team, click the button to the form below.