Leah Fullman Named Inaugural Dean of the School of Speech-Language Pathology in the Pepperdine University College of Health Science
As Pepperdine prepares for the impending launch of the College of Health Science, the University announced the appointment of Leah Fullman as the inaugural dean of the School of Speech-Language Pathology.
During her tenure as the founding dean of the College of Health Sciences at Faulkner University, Fullman guided the strategic planning and development of seven health science programs, including a bachelor's in health sciences, master's in speech-language pathology, master's in physician assistant studies, doctor of physical therapy, and doctor of occupational therapy. She also led the creation of an online master's in speech-language pathology and PhD in health sciences. Fullman oversaw the construction and interior design of the 85,000-square-foot Health Science Center at Faulkner, including a 15,000-square-foot interprofessional clinic. At the time of her departure, Fullman was in the process of developing a nursing program.
A key member of the Faulkner advancement team, Fullman was dedicated to acquiring grants to fund the College of Health Sciences and managed multi-million-dollar budgets successfully. During her tenure, Fullman exceeded student enrollment goals and formed relationships with a diverse network of healthcare professionals.
An alumna of the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Fullman also serves as a trustee at her alma mater, where she contributes her expertise in administration, accreditation, and assessment as she navigates the needs of for-profit education and serves a wide variety of constituents. She has become a sought-after accreditation consultant for developing programs in the health sciences and a legal consultant for cases within her scope of practice.
Fullman also has extensive experience in clinical settings and has contributed her expertise to medical centers, private clinics, and skilled nursing facilities, serving a diverse caseload from NICU to geriatrics.
Fullman received her doctor of science from the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions and master of science in speech-language pathology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She received her bachelor of science in liberal arts from California State University, Fullerton. She also completed special training and research in the speech/language and feeding/swallowing needs of medically complex patients, including trach/vent and feeding tubes.