Dr. Justine Reel Named Interim Dean of the College of Health and Human Services for 2022-23 

April 25, 2022

The Office of University Relations is sending the message below on behalf of Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs James J. Winebrake.  

Following an internal search process, Justine Reel, associate dean and professor in the College of Health and Human Services, has been selected to serve as the interim dean for CHHS for the 2022-23 academic year, beginning July 1, 2022.

“Dr. Reel is an experienced leader dedicated to student, faculty and staff success,” Provost James J. Winebrake said. “I am confident she will guide the college successfully this coming academic year as CHHS continues to expand its impact regionally and nationally.”

Dr. Reel brings more than 17 years of administrative experience from a variety of institutions to this position. Her leadership at UNCW includes service as associate dean for research and innovation in CHHS and interim director of Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance. Prior to joining UNCW in 2014, Dr. Reel held faculty positions at the University of Utah, West Chester University, Temple University and Salem College.

Among the many duties assigned to the interim dean, Dr. Reel will lead the college in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; developing faculty workload policies consistent with an aspiring research university; advancing new degree programs; meeting enrollment targets; expanding community engagement and applied learning activities; supporting interdisciplinary teaching and research; engaging in fundraising aligned with the university’s Like No Other campaign; and supporting other college and university initiatives.

“It is an honor to serve as the interim dean for the College of Health and Human Services,” Dr. Reel said. “I am committed to preserving the college’s culture of collaboration, caring and compassion while keeping our students at the center of all we do.”

Dr. Reel is a professor of exercise science in the School of Health and Applied Human Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has been a member of the university community since 2014.