Owens names new dean of nursing

FINDLAY — Owens Community College has named Teddy Farias as its next dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions. Farias started at the college on Monday. "It's a great group of students, leadership, faculty, the program, the facility, the area, it just felt right," he said. "I'm excited to see what we can do to continue on and expand what we have here." Farias comes to Owens from San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas, where he served as the dean of Health and Natural Sciences for eight years. He previously held positions at the Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology in Kansas, San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, and Kaplan University in Cedar Falls, Iowa. A native of Missouri, Farias received his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri, a Master of Science in Higher Education from Purdue Global, and his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Logan University. He was hired after a national search. He replaces Cathy Ford, who retired from Owens in July 2025 after 43 years at the college. Dr. Michael Sander, Dean of Liberal Arts, served as interim dean. "Dr. Farias stood out for the breadth of experience he brings to this role in clinical practice, health professions education, higher education leadership and workforce development," said Dr. Denise Smith, provost and vice president of academic affairs. "His background in accreditation and national leadership, together with his commitment to academic excellence, positions him to strengthen (the School of) Nursing and Health Professions and prepare students to meet the needs of their communities and the healthcare workforce." Throughout Farias' career, he has been engaged with faculty and students while also fostering meaningful community partnerships. He believes it's important for students to give back to the communities where they will eventually live and work. In addition to his professional experience, Farias currently serves as the president of the National Network of Health Career Programs in Two-Year Colleges and is a board member of the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, a peer evaluator for The Commission on Colleges and Universities and commissioner for the American Association of Community Colleges Workforce Development Commission.