Oregon Tech Names New Dean, Launches Dental Hygiene Master’s Program and Honors Retirees
The university recently announced new academic leadership, a first-of-its-kind online graduate program in Oregon and recognition for employees with a combined 113 years of service.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Oregon Institute of Technology has announced several campus updates in recent weeks, including the appointment of a new dean, the launch of a fully online graduate program in dental hygiene and recognition for retiring employees with a combined 113 years of service to the university.
Oregon Tech has appointed Jackie Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., as dean of the College of Health, Arts and Sciences following a nationwide search. Zhang will join Oregon Tech in June.
Zhang most recently served as professor and dean of the College of Health Professions at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A medical doctor by training, he also holds a doctorate in healthcare administration and a master’s degree in public health.
Dr. Jackie Zhang has been appointed dean of Oregon Tech’s College of Health, Arts and Sciences and will join the university in June 2026. Photo courtesy of Oregon Tech.
Oregon Tech officials said Zhang brings more than two decades of academic and administrative leadership experience, including service as both a dean and associate dean. His background includes program growth, student success initiatives and applied research.
As a researcher, Zhang has helped secure more than $20 million in funding as a principal or co-investigator from organizations including the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Education, state governments, private foundations and corporate partners.
Oregon Tech President Dr. Nagi Naganathan said Zhang will play a critical role in the vision of the College of Health, Arts and Sciences and in helping elevate the university’s academic reputation.
Zhang said he is excited to join Oregon Tech and the College of Health, Arts and Sciences, citing the college’s role in applied education, rural health and regional workforce development.
Oregon Tech Associate Professor Darlene Swigart works with dental hygiene students in a clinical setting. Swigart helped create the university’s new fully online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program and will serve as program director. Photo courtesy of Oregon Tech.
The university also announced the launch of a new fully online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program, approved to begin this summer. Oregon Tech said the program is the first of its kind in Oregon.
The graduate program is designed for current and future dental hygiene professionals seeking advanced knowledge in leadership, research, education, administration, public health and business. The fully online format is intended to provide flexibility for working professionals while maintaining Oregon Tech’s applied approach to learning.
Students will complete 15 courses, including 30 credits of required coursework and 15 credits of electives. The program will also offer a streamlined pathway for current Oregon Tech dental hygiene students and degree-completion students, allowing some graduate-level courses to count toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Associate Professor Darlene Swigart, who helped create the program, will serve as program director.
“This program creates new opportunities for dental hygienists to grow as leaders, educators, and advocates,” Swigart said. “Our goal is to expand access to advanced education while strengthening the profession through research, innovation, and a focus on improving patient care outcomes.”
Don McDonnell, professor of Medical Imaging Technology, was honored during Oregon Tech’s 46th Retirement Recognition event and awarded emeritus status after 19 years of full-time service, plus an additional 10 years as an adjunct instructor. Photo courtesy of Oregon Tech.
Oregon Tech also recently held its 46th Retirement Recognition event, honoring employees for their service and achievements. This year’s retirees represented a combined 113 years of service to the university.
Retirees recognized included Lisa Shoults, degree coordinator in the Registrar’s Office, and Christine Sawyers of Parking Services and Campus Safety, each with 21 years of service; Don McDonnell, professor of Medical Imaging Technology, with 19 years of service, plus an additional 10 years as an adjunct instructor; Eileen Mudgett, office manager in Business Management, with 12 years; Mary Lou Nicholson, accountant in University Advancement, with 11 years; Philip Howard, associate professor of Computer Systems Engineering Technology, with 11 years; Thom Darrah, director of Facilities Management Services, with nine years; and Cliff Stover, professor of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering and Technology, with nine years.
McDonnell was also awarded emeritus status, an honor granted to Oregon Tech employees who have served the university for at least 10 years with distinction and have applied for the designation.
The annual event also recognized employees for years of service in five-year increments, including Debbie McCollam for 30 years of service and several others for milestones ranging from five to more than 25 years.
Together, the announcements reflect a busy close to the academic year for Oregon Tech, with new leadership, expanded graduate education and recognition for the employees who have helped shape the university’s work across multiple decades.
Cover image: Oregon Institute of Technology’s Klamath Falls campus is pictured from above. The university recently announced new academic leadership, a fully online dental hygiene master’s program and recognition for longtime employees. Photo courtesy of Oregon Tech.
