Bromfield announced as next HHP dean
Dr. Nicole Bromfield has been appointed dean of the East Carolina University College of Health and Human Performance, effective July 1. The ECU Board of Trustees approved the appointment during its meeting April 12.
In addition to extensive international academic experience in a 25-year career, including as an assistant professor at the United Arab Emirates University from 2010-16, Bromfield is a seasoned scholar and administrator with 16 years in academic administration in multiple leadership positions.
Dr. Nicole Bromfield’s 25-year career has included extensive international academic experience and 16 years in academic administration in multiple leadership positions.
Her most recent leadership role was as associate dean for academic affairs for the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work, where she has been an associate professor since 2016. Under her four-year tenure as associate dean, the college enjoyed 30% enrollment growth and received a full program reaccreditation. She previously held administrative appointments at Virginia Commonwealth University as a director of student services and as a student services coordinator.
“Being selected as the next dean of East Carolina University’s College of Health and Human Performance is an incredible honor,” said Bromfield, who recently served as a Fulbright Research and Teaching Scholar for 20 months at the University of Namibia. “I am delighted to lead our vibrant HHP community dedicated to fostering holistic well-being through groundbreaking research, service and experiential learning, and to work with the college to further foster a welcoming and collaborative environment that supports each one of our talented faculty, staff and students in reaching their full potential. Our collective commitment to enhancing human well-being, academic excellence and collaborative innovation in research, teaching, service and community engagement will continue to guide us in advancing the college’s legacy and impact on eastern North Carolina and beyond.”
Bromfield has completed research projects in the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, India, Namibia and other nations. She co-authored a scholarly book, “From Intercountry Adoption to Global Surrogacy: A Human Rights History and New Fertility Frontiers,” and her research has been highlighted in various media outlets, including The Boston Globe, The National UAE newspaper and BBC News.
“Dr. Bromfield’s expertise, academic experiences and alignment with the dimensions of the College of Health and Human Performance are a few of the reasons why I am very excited to welcome Dr. Bromfield to our ECU team,” ECU Provost Dr. Robin Coger said. “I also thank interim dean Stacey Altman for her leadership over the last couple of years in collaborating with the faculty, staff and students of HHP to ensure the many strengths of this critical college.”
HHP has been led by Altman since July 1, 2022. Her tenure will continue until June 30 when she completes her 22 years of service to ECU. Altman is looking forward to welcoming the new dean.
“Dr. Bromfield’s breadth of experience and collaborative style is ideally suited to lead the HHP community to further success and positive impact as we continue to deliver on the promises associated with the ECU mission,” Altman said. “I look forward to supporting her transition to ECU and the position.”
Bromfield earned a doctoral degree in public policy and administration, with a specialization in health policy, from VCU. She holds two degrees from West Virginia University — a Master of Social Work, with a concentration in community organization, and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and anthropology as a summa cum laude graduate. She has completed academic leadership training with Harvard University, the Council on Social Work Education, the National Association of Deans and Directors, and the University of Houston.
The College of Health and Human Performance offers a wide range of degrees, certificates and other credentials in health education and promotion, human development and family science, interior design and merchandising, kinesiology, recreation sciences and social work, as well as home to Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC. The college serves the region by providing transformative opportunities for students while collaborating and promoting holistic health and well-being.