Gordon-Hickey Named Dean of the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions

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Posted on March 1, 2023

Lance Crawford

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Dr. Susan Gordon-Hickey has been named as the next Dean of the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions, Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Andi Kent announced today.

The Covey College of Allied Health Professions complements the College of Nursing and the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine in offering diverse healthcare programs for in-demand careers, and its board exam pass rates consistently exceed national averages. 

Gordon-Hickey has served as interim dean since April 2020; her appointment is effective March 1.

“Since taking on the interim role during some of the most challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Gordon-Hickey has proven herself to be an outstanding leader,” Kent said. “I am thrilled that she will continue to lead as the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions prepares our students for rewarding careers.”

Gordon-Hickey has been a member of the faculty at South since 2007. She has served in a variety of leadership roles including serving as the associate dean from 2016-2020 and graduate coordinator for the audiology program from 2010-2015. Nationally, Dr. Gordon-Hickey serves as the secretary of the Association of Schools Advancing the Health Professions and was recently honored as a fellow of the organization. She is also the chair-elect of the Council on Academic Accreditation for Audiology and Speech Pathology.

“I am excited to lead the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions here at South,” Gordon-Hickey said. “I look forward to supporting the College and University. South has provided me with great opportunities, and I intend to pay it forward.”

Gordon-Hickey said she endeavors to continue the Covey College of Allied Health Profession’s tradition of producing highly skilled scientists and clinicians. She aims to support the College’s scholarly productivity to bolster its national reputation. 

“My motivation and dedication to leading the College comes from the effort and teamwork exemplified by our determination and resilience related to the challenges posed by the pandemic,” Gordon-Hickey said. “I am proud of what we accomplished in the past three years, and I am excited about our future.”

The College offers a variety of health sciences and health professions programs, both graduate and undergraduate, including in audiology, biomedical sciences, communication sciences and disorders, emergency medical services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, professional health sciences, speech and hearing sciences, speech-language pathology and radiologic sciences.

“Demand for allied health professionals is high. The Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions is positioned to help meet that demand along the Gulf Coast and nationally,” Gordon-Hickey said. 

Gordon-Hickey holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Clinical Doctorate in Audiology from the University of South Alabama.

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