This email was sent to the UT San Antonio community by Franscisco Cigarroa, MD, senior executive vice president for health affairs and health system.
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Bridgett Piernik-Yoder, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, as dean of the School of Health Professions, effective Nov. 1, 2026. Her appointment follows a national search and the recommendation of the search committee.
Piernik-Yoder is a highly respected academic leader, educator and scholar whose career has been dedicated to advancing health professions education, supporting faculty and creating opportunities for students to succeed. During her tenure at UT Health San Antonio, she has served in several leadership roles within the School of Health Professions, including vice dean for academic and faculty affairs, associate dean for academic affairs, chair and program director of occupational therapy and professor with tenure.
Throughout her career, Piernik-Yoder has helped strengthen academic programs, foster faculty development, advance interdisciplinary collaboration and enhance the student experience. Her longstanding service to the university, combined with her collaborative approach to leadership, provides a strong foundation for leading the School of Health Professions into its next chapter.
As dean, Piernik-Yoder will lead the school’s academic, research, clinical and service missions while building on its important role in educating the next generation of health professionals. She also will help strengthen collaboration across the university, expand community partnerships and advance innovation and scholarship that contribute to the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
The School of Health Professions plays an important role in preparing a highly skilled health care workforce and advancing our university’s commitment to education, discovery, clinical excellence and service. I am confident that under Piernik-Yoder’s leadership, the school will continue to expand its impact and build on the strong foundation established by its faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Please join me in congratulating Piernik-Yoder on her appointment and welcoming her to this important leadership role. I look forward to all the School of Health Professions will accomplish under her leadership.
Source: news.utsa.edu
