Julia Fischer, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, has been named the assistant dean and head of the UW-Stevens Point School of Health Sciences and Wellness, announced College of Professional Studies Dean Rebecca Sommer, Ph.D.
Fischer has been serving as the school’s interim assistant dean since June 2023 and replaces Sommer, who was named CPS dean in December. She is a tenured full professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) and has taught at UWSP since 2004. In addition to teaching, Fischer has held many leadership positions and was responsible for budget, personnel, curriculum and facilities including the Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic.
“A leader of the School of Health Sciences and Wellness must have an in-depth working knowledge of the communities we serve,” said Fischer. “I have that understanding and perspective from my professional career as a medical speech-language pathologist as well as personal experiences. I draw upon my previous experiences of treating the whole person to inform my approach to administrative responsibilities.”
Fischer holds a Ph.D. in Communication Disorders from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, master’s degree from University of Virginia and bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison. She has published 13 peer-reviewed articles, 15 chapters and one book printed in both English and Hungarian. Fischer has a research background in aphasia as well as augmentative and alternative communication, with a focus on improving the quality of life and maximize participation in desired communication activities after a major health event.
A native of Racine, Fischer has been a member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association since 1989 and the International Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication since 1994.
Formed in 2020, the School of Health Sciences and Wellness has more than 30 undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities and weaves a unique wellness thread throughout that UW-Stevens Point–as the birthplace of wellness–is known for around the world. The school, which is housed in the College of Professional Studies, holds classes and has offices throughout the CPS Building, Marshfield Clinic Health System Champions Hall and the Science Building, where the main office is located.
Undergraduate Majors:
- communication sciences and disorders
- dietetics
- family and consumer sciences (child life and family studies; teacher education)
- health information management technology
- health science and wellness (pre-athletic training; pre-physical therapy; pre-occupational therapy)
- medical laboratory science (medical technology; cytotechnology; histotechnology)
- nursing (BSN completion program; pre-nursing)
- sustainable food and nutrition
Graduate Programs:
- athletic training (M.S.)
- audiology (Au.D.)
- child life specialist preparation (certificate)
- community and organizational leadership (M.S.)
- family and consumer sciences (certification)
- health and wellness coaching (certificate)
- healthcare administration (M.S.)
- health science education (certificate)
- physical therapy (DPT)
- speech-language pathology (M.S.)
- sustainable and resilient food systems (M.S.)
Community and Centers: