Barret Michalec appointed associate dean of Barrett Honors College at ASU Downtown Phoenix campus
Barret Michalec, associate professor in the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation and director of the Center for Advancing Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research, has been appointed associate dean of Barrett at the ASU Downtown campus. ASU photo
If his name is any indication, Barret Michalec should be well-suited for his new position.
The Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation associate professor and director of the Center for Advancing Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research (CAIPER) has been appointed associate dean of Barrett, The Honors College at the Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix campus.
Michalec began his appointment on July 1, taking over for Olga Idriss Davis, who retired from the university in May. He will devote the first two months to onboarding and introductory meetings, and will then take on supervisory responsibilities on Sept. 1.
“Dr. Michalec brings an in-depth knowledge of and commitment to the ASU downtown campus. He’s a proven leader in interdisciplinary spaces, and that pragmatic experience is enhanced by his research examining how to build and support effective, collaborative teams,” said Barrett Dean Tara Williams.
“His commitment to Barrett students and the Barrett Downtown community truly stands out. I’m delighted that he has joined the Barrett leadership team and I look forward to the new ideas and energy that he will bring."
Michalec previously served as the associate dean of interdisciplinary initiatives and interprofessional education in the College of Health Sciences at the University of Delaware. He has received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Institutes of Health, Mayo Clinic and several foundations for his research, which he describes as exploring “the various facets of key interpersonal attributes like humility, empathy and self/other awareness — and how we can tap into these attributes to build more effective and efficient teams in education, health care and other domains.”
“I think this is a perfect pairing," said Edson College Dean and Professor Judith Karshmer. "As the leader of a nationally recognized center at Edson College that advances interprofessionalism in health and education, Barret is uniquely positioned to succeed as the associate dean of Barrett Downtown. His extensive experience bringing people together from across disciplines and backgrounds to make a difference will serve honors students well."
Michalec said his interest in serving the Barrett Downtown community is rooted in the quality of the honors college.
“Barrett is the premiere honors college, providing a scholastically enriching, experience-driven journey for all students. The honors college is packed with top-tier faculty, staff and leadership that promote creativity, student-centeredness and a commitment to interdisciplinarity — and this is all nested within the No. 1 university for innovation,” he said.
“Just imagine the possibilities, the level of community and academic engagement, the burgeoning of new ideas! To be a part of the Barrett college experience is a remarkably matchless opportunity and privilege.”
Michalec said that beyond attention to recruitment and retention, his No. 1 goal is to enhance the sense of connectivity, belonging and community among and within Barrett Downtown students, staff and faculty.
“Everyone, especially students, can feel the energy associated with their college, and my goal is to cultivate and sustain an energy within Barrett Downtown that magnetizes students, staff and faculty, reverberates within them and drives them to be stewards within the campus, university and broader community,” he said.
Michalec’s message to students is clear:
“You’re more than a number here, you’re more than your tuition. You bring a unique perspective, a history that is only yours. Whereas we all share a common humanity and fundamentals of humanism that should be cherished and celebrated, we need you and your unique perspective to help shape the shared identity and values of Barrett Downtown,” he said.
“Bring your curiosity, humility and openness, and we will provide you with experiences, opportunities and community to assist you in your ASU journey. No matter what your professional goals are, no matter if the next step after college is graduate or professional school, or straight into the (job) market, graduating with honors puts you at the top of the list. The collective nature and distinctive opportunities nested within the honors experience will profoundly impact your friendships as well as your resume. Therefore, my plan as associate dean is to help cultivate an atmosphere of inclusion, collaboration and vivacity to facilitate you flourishing personally and professionally.”
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