Zvonkovic named Health and Human Performance dean

New dean drawn to ECU because of focus on service

Dr. Anisa Zvonkovic was named dean of East Carolina University’s College of Health and Human Performance during the ECU Board of Trustees meeting on Friday, Feb. 16.

Zvonkovic comes to ECU from Virginia Tech, where she has served since 2011 as head of the Department of Human Development. She has also taught at Texas Tech University and Oregon State University.

“We’re so very pleased that Dr. Zvonkovic has decided to join the leadership team at ECU,” said Dr. Ron Mitchelson, provost. “Her professional experiences at Texas Tech and at Virginia Tech will yield exciting new ideas at ECU. I am particularly impressed with her commitment to the integration of instruction, research and outreach. Our students and the region will benefit greatly from that focus.”

“I am eager to lead the College of Health and Human Performance in part because I’ve spent my professional life working toward the mission of this college: to improve health, well-being and quality of life,” Zvonkovic said.

Zvonkovic earned her bachelor of arts in psychology and religious studies from the University of Virginia and her master of science and doctoral degrees in human development and family studies from Pennsylvania State University. She is president of the National Council on Family Relations and previously served as president of the Groves Conference on Marriage and Family.

Her research centers on the effects of work and other demands on individual and interpersonal lives. She said she was drawn to ECU by the university’s focus on service.

“To me, ECU’s emphasis on serving the public is accomplished through the programs of the College of Health and Human Performance – training students who are dedicated to improving people’s lives via professional careers that enhance well-being in the region, nationally and globally,” Zvonkovic said.

Zvonkovic will officially begin her new role on July 1. She succeeds Dr. Glen Gilbert, who stepped down in December after serving 18 years as dean. Dr. Susan McCammon, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology, is serving as interim dean until Zvonkovic takes over the role.