Cesarina Thompson, dean of the University of Hartford’s College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP) since July 2018, has announced her decision to leave the University this month. She has accepted a new leadership opportunity at another university.
At UHart, Thompson led an impressive and unique variety of academic programs, offering opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative program development in education and health professions. She recognized that such diversity appealed to future professionals and worked diligently to enhance collaboration and learning experiences. Among her accomplishments, Thompson helped revise ENHP’s vision and mission, facilitated the articulation of its core values statement, launched effective new undergraduate and graduate programs, expanded the faculty's size and diversity, and increased the college’s enrollment by 25 percent.
Shortly after her arrival, UHart launched a new entry-level Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that has since become the University’s largest undergraduate major. Thompson also has expanded partnerships with regional health organizations.
Her tenure included the design and opening of the Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions. This state-of-the-art academic building, located in the heart of campus, includes lab and classroom space for ENHP programs in occupational therapy, nursing, physical therapy, and exercise science. It has become a signature academic building, providing exceptional learning experiences and professional preparation for University of Hartford students.
Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Bridgeport and a master’s and PhD from the University of Connecticut. She previously served as a dean at American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, and spent 25 years at Southern Connecticut State University, where she became a tenured professor and held various leadership roles, including department chair and interim associate dean.
Brian Swanson, chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and tenured physical therapy faculty member, has been named interim dean of ENHP for 2025–26.
Swanson also serves as director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and co-director of the University of Hartford/HHCRN Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University, a Doctorate of Science from Andrews University, and is a graduate of the APTA Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership. As a scholar, Swanson has published more than 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts, authored three book chapters, and delivered numerous conference presentations. Prior to his academic career, Swanson practiced clinically for two decades in orthopedic physical therapy, earning recognition as a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy (emeritus) and as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists.
A national search for the next dean of ENHP will begin this fall. In addition, Swanson and Provost Katherine Black will work to identify an interim department chair for Rehabilitation Sciences and an interim program director for Physical Therapy.
At UHart, Thompson led an impressive and unique variety of academic programs, offering opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative program development in education and health professions. She recognized that such diversity appealed to future professionals and worked diligently to enhance collaboration and learning experiences. Among her accomplishments, Thompson helped revise ENHP’s vision and mission, facilitated the articulation of its core values statement, launched effective new undergraduate and graduate programs, expanded the faculty's size and diversity, and increased the college’s enrollment by 25 percent.
Shortly after her arrival, UHart launched a new entry-level Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that has since become the University’s largest undergraduate major. Thompson also has expanded partnerships with regional health organizations.
Her tenure included the design and opening of the Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions. This state-of-the-art academic building, located in the heart of campus, includes lab and classroom space for ENHP programs in occupational therapy, nursing, physical therapy, and exercise science. It has become a signature academic building, providing exceptional learning experiences and professional preparation for University of Hartford students.
Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Bridgeport and a master’s and PhD from the University of Connecticut. She previously served as a dean at American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, and spent 25 years at Southern Connecticut State University, where she became a tenured professor and held various leadership roles, including department chair and interim associate dean.
Brian Swanson, chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and tenured physical therapy faculty member, has been named interim dean of ENHP for 2025–26.
Swanson also serves as director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and co-director of the University of Hartford/HHCRN Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency Program. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University, a Doctorate of Science from Andrews University, and is a graduate of the APTA Fellowship in Higher Education Leadership. As a scholar, Swanson has published more than 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts, authored three book chapters, and delivered numerous conference presentations. Prior to his academic career, Swanson practiced clinically for two decades in orthopedic physical therapy, earning recognition as a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy (emeritus) and as a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists.
A national search for the next dean of ENHP will begin this fall. In addition, Swanson and Provost Katherine Black will work to identify an interim department chair for Rehabilitation Sciences and an interim program director for Physical Therapy.