Swagata Banik
Photo: St. Bonaventure University
BY ISABEL MARZULLO, FEATURES EDITOR
Swagata Banik, Ph.D., was named the new dean of the Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions on Tuesday.
Banik will transfer from his job at Baldwin Wallace University, in Cleveland, Ohio where he serves as the medical mutual endowed chair for Public Health and Population Health.
“We had a really strong group of finalists, but Dr. Banik really stood out,” said Jeff Gingerich, president of St. Bonaventure University.
Banik has served on editorial boards for leading journals, and held leadership roles in several civic and professional organizations. He also hopes to lead initiatives and investigate the social and structural causes of health throughout diverse cultural contexts, according to the university’s press release.
His research focuses on addressing the stigma and discrimination found in health care.
“The future of health and wellness lies in expanding access to care,” said Banik in the press release.
Banik additionally aspires to create an environment where service and compassion are the heart of health care education and empower students to make meaningful impacts in the lives of those around them, according to the press release.
“I see a tremendous opportunity at Bonaventure to build on the university’s strengths and mission of service by cultivating compassionate and skilled health care professionals,” said Banik. “Expanding community-based research initiatives, and strengthening community partnerships.”
His short-term goals at Bonaventure are to enhance faculty and staff development, promote collaborations and support students. Long-term goals are to have the DePerro school lead in health care education and community-centered innovation.
“To find someone with such a passionate commitment to expanding access to health care, especially to marginalized communities, is a blessing not only for the DePerro school but for a medically underserved area like ours,” said Gingerich.
marzulig22@bonaventure.edu
