Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) is proud to announce the appointment of Ericka P. Zimmerman, EdD, LAT, ATC, FNAP, as the new Dean of the College of Health Sciences. Dr. Zimmerman brings more than two decades of experience in health sciences education, academic leadership, and clinical practice, along with a distinguished record of scholarship and innovation in the health sciences field.
Dr. Zimmerman joins RMU from Western Carolina University (WCU), where she spent 10 years as Director of the School of Health Sciences, leading a multidisciplinary unit that included athletic training, emergency medical care, environmental health, health sciences, nutrition and dietetics, and recreational therapy. Her leadership has earned numerous honors, including the All-Southern Conference Faculty Award, the Faculty Award for Excellence in Student Service, and the Campus Career Development Champion Award. Prior to her time at WCU, she spent 13 years at the University of Charleston (West Virginia) as an athletic trainer, faculty member, program director, and department chair.
“Dr. Zimmerman is a leader whose experience and vision align perfectly with RMU’s mission,” said RMU President Cameron K. Martin. “Her commitment to educating healthcare professionals will strengthen our academic community and elevate the work already happening within the College of Health Sciences.”
In addition to her university-specific achievements, Dr. Zimmerman has been recognized nationally for her impact on the athletic training profession. She is the recipient of several high-profile honors, including the Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (2017), the Dan Libera Service Award from the Board of Certification (2016), and designation as a Distinguished Practitioner Fellow by the National Academies of Practice (2022). Her excellence in teaching has also been acknowledged through multiple awards, including being named the West Virginia Athletic Training Educator of the Year in both 2012 and 2008 by the West Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association.
“Dr. Zimmerman brings a proven track record of academic excellence and student-centered leadership,” said Dr. Malissa Martin, RMU vice president of academic affairs and provost. “Her expertise will enhance our evidence-based curriculums and help us continue meeting the needs of an evolving healthcare landscape.”
In her role as dean, Dr. Zimmerman will oversee the College of Health Sciences’ academic programs, including physician assistant, counseling, nursing, the Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD), the Healthcare Leadership & Administration Certificate, and the Healthcare Professions Education Certificate. She will also provide oversight for Peaks, RMU’s continuing education department, as well as academic program assessment.
“RMU is committed to improving the human condition, and I’m honored to join a university that has such a strong commitment to service,” said Dr. Zimmerman. “Together, we will expand pathways for degree completion, strengthen student success, and prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders to create opportunities and remove barriers for the communities they serve.”
Dr. Zimmerman holds a Doctor of Education in leadership studies with an emphasis in higher education administration from Marshall University, a Master of Science from Indiana State University, and a Bachelor of Arts from St. Andrews Presbyterian College. She is a nationally certified and award-winning athletic trainer with extensive scholarly contributions in administration, leadership, and risk management within the health professions.
About Rocky Mountain University
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU) is an exclusive graduate healthcare education institution accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Founded in 1998 and located in Provo, Utah, RMU offers high-quality and evidence-based master’s and doctoral degree programs in various healthcare specialties with a diverse student body and faculty. Learn more at rm.edu.