Announcing Dr. Carolyn Yucha as Interim Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences

Sent: August 3, 2026

From: Vincent J. Del Casino, Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Carolyn Yucha, pronounced “Yu-ha,” as Interim Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, effective August 31. Dr. Yucha will serve in this role for a one-year appointment, providing continuity and stability for the college as we conduct a national search for its next permanent dean. During the transition from August 17 to August 31, Dr. Matt Massucci will serve as the Administrator in Charge for the College. 

Dr. Yucha brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education and an extensive record of academic leadership, teaching, research, and service. She is Professor and Dean Emerita at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she served for 13 years as founding dean of the School of Nursing and also led the School of Allied Health Sciences. Her experience overseeing distinct health-related academic units and building collaboration across disciplines aligns especially well with the interdisciplinary mission of the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Throughout her career, Dr. Yucha has advanced student learning, faculty development and research. At UNLV, she developed new doctoral programs, strengthened administrative and academic structures, expanded external support and helped establish a multidisciplinary clinical simulation center serving students and health professionals from multiple institutions. She also previously served as interim dean of nursing at Hawaiʻi Pacific University, where she assessed organizational needs, strengthened leadership capacity and supported the school during a period of transition.

As interim dean, Dr. Yucha will work closely with CHHS faculty, staff, students and leadership to sustain the college’s momentum and advance its priorities. Her focus will include supporting student success, encouraging interdisciplinary teaching and collaboration, strengthening the research enterprise and ensuring the college’s academic and administrative operations remain well positioned throughout the transition. These areas reflect the central leadership responsibilities of the dean and the college’s continuing commitment to teaching, research and service.

I also want to offer my sincere thanks to Dr. Audrey Shillington for her leadership as the first permanent dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. Her contributions strengthened the college’s work in student success, research, workforce development, community engagement and interprofessional education, and we are fortunate that she will continue serving SJSU as a faculty member in the School of Social Work.

At the beginning of the Fall 2026 semester, the Provost’s Office will initiate the process to recruit the permanent dean. Additional information about the search and opportunities for campus participation will be shared at that time.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Yucha to San José State University and thanking her for taking on this important leadership role.

Sincerely,

Vincent J. Del Casino, Jr.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs