Nancy Fey-Yensan is the new dean of the College of Health and Human Services at UNC Charlotte, effective Aug. 1.  She joins the institution from the University of Rhode Island, where she served as associate dean of the College of Human Science and Services and professor of nutrition and food science. 

“Nancy brings a broad range of relevant experience to UNC Charlotte and a strong commitment to the role of public higher education in providing access for students and being responsive to the needs of the communities we serve,” said Provost Joan Lorden. “Her work in communities and with community agencies makes her an excellent leader for North Carolina’s urban research institution where we value community engagement.”

Known for her exceptional leadership qualities, she was brought to the College of Human Science and Services from the College of Environment and Life Sciences, where she was associate director for Land Grant Programs.

Fey-Yensan had also been tapped for several other administrative positions at URI, including interim dean of the Graduate School and interim dean of the College of Environment and Life Science.

Fey-Yensan began her career in chemosensory research, working in an interdisciplinary team to understand food behavior in those with sensory anomalies.  In her role as a nutrition researcher, she has served as the panel manager for the USDA’s National Research Initiative on Human Nutrition and Obesity and she currently serves in that same role for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.

In Rhode Island, she co-directed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education Program, an initiative on food and nutrition that reaches thousands of families and older adults living in poverty. As part of this program, Fey-Yensan has built significant community and agency partnerships. 

Committed to the success of both students and faculty, Fey-Yensan developed both a comprehensive junior faculty mentoring program and an undergraduate Living and Learning Community.

 “As a collaborative leader, I anticipate she will find new synergies within the College of Health and Human Services and will strengthen the College’s connections with the Charlotte community,” said Lorden.

She succeeds Karen Schmaling, who stepped down in 2010 to take the position of vice chancellor for academic affairs at Washington State University, Vancouver.

About UNC Charlotte

UNC Charlotte is North Carolina’s urban research university. It is the fourth largest campus among the 17 institutions of The University of North Carolina system and the largest institution of higher education in the Charlotte region. Fall 2010 enrollment exceeded 25,000 students, including approximately 5,500 graduate students. Find UNC Charlotte on the Web at UNCC Home, Twitter, Facebookand follow the UNC CLT_News blog at unccltnews.blogspot.com.