Marty Sexton appointed dean of Wright State’s College of Health, Education and Human Services

Marty Sexton was appointed dean of Wright State University’s College of Health, Education and Human Services.

Marty Sexton, Ph.D., acting dean and professor of nursing, has been appointed the permanent dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Services at Wright State University, effective immediately.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Sexton as she leads the college to prepare students for impactful careers in aviation, education and leadership, health and exercise sciences, nursing, professional psychology and social work and human services,” Provost Jim Denniston, Ph.D., said.

Sexton said she is honored to serve as dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Services and aims to foster a culture of interprofessional collaboration, innovation and student success.

“I’m inspired by the fact that all six of our schools prepare students for careers that directly help communities thrive,” she said. “Our graduates are in high demand and enter fulfilling professions where they genuinely make a difference.”

Sexton plans to leverage Wright State’s growing partnership with Premier Health to provide expanded opportunities for students through clinical and field placements.

“There is tremendous potential for continued growth across the college, particularly in areas such as preparing professionals to address the growing behavioral health needs of our communities and supporting the health, development and well-being of children,” she said. “I look forward to expanding partnerships with local organizations and supporting faculty and staff as we prepare the next generation of professionals to lead with compassion, competence and integrity.”

Sexton has served as acting dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Services since January 2025. She succeeded Denniston, who was appointed vice president for academic affairs and provost.

Sexton brings extensive leadership experience to the permanent role of dean. She has served as chief nursing officer and academic partnership liaison to Premier Health, director of interprofessional education and associate dean at Wright State.

She joined Wright State’s College of Health, Education and Human Services in 2022 after serving as chair and associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Nursing at the University of Toledo.

Sexton earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Bowling Green State University, a master’s degree in psychiatric–mental health nursing from the Medical College of Ohio. She completed her Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Toledo, where her research centered on interprofessional education, with an emphasis on conflict in interprofessional health care teams.

A recognized expert in her field, Sexton has presented and published nationally on the value of interprofessional collaboration and has served on committees dedicated to advancing interprofessional practice. She is also a distinguished fellow in the National Academies of Practice, an interprofessional organization.