Ryan K. Zapalac has been named the new dean of the Sam Houston State University College of Health Sciences (COHS), effective March 1. Zapalac, professor of kinesiology at SHSU, has been serving in the interim dean position since July 6, 2024.
During his nearly 20 years at SHSU, Zapalac has served as assistant department chair, acting department chair, associate dean of academic affairs, graduate programs and community engagement, and most recently, as interim dean. Prior to his time at SHSU, he was a lecturer at Rice University. Zapalac is a first-generation college graduate who received his PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Houston in 2004.
Sam Houston State University’s College of Health Sciences includes the School of Nursing as well as three academic departments: Human Sciences, Kinesiology, and Public Health.
