Brookdale Community College Names Dr. Staci R. Drewson Dean of Health Science

Brookdale Community College has appointed Staci R. Drewson, Ph.D., as the College’s new Dean of Health Science, bringing an accomplished academic leader with extensive experience in faculty leadership, workforce-focused education, and student success.

Drewson joins Brookdale from Monmouth University, where she has served as Chair of the Health & Physical Education Department since 2022. In that role, she oversaw five academic programs serving approximately 475 students while leading curriculum development, faculty recruitment, strategic planning, accreditation efforts, and community partnerships.

She succeeds Jayne Edman, Ed.D., who retired after 35 years of dedicated service to Brookdale Community College, including 19 years as a nursing faculty member and 16 years as Dean of Health Science. During her tenure, Edman helped transform the School of Health Science into one of New Jersey’s premier community college healthcare education programs. Under her leadership, Brookdale earned a reputation for academic excellence, strong clinical partnerships, and graduates who are highly regarded by healthcare employers throughout New Jersey. Demand for the College’s health sciences programs has remained exceptionally strong, with competitive admissions and waiting lists reflecting the region’s growing need for skilled healthcare professionals.

“Dr. Drewson is a collaborative and visionary academic leader whose experience aligns perfectly with Brookdale’s mission of preparing students for meaningful careers in healthcare,” said David M. Stout, Ph.D., president of Brookdale Community College. “As the healthcare workforce continues to grow in demand, we are excited to welcome a leader who understands the importance of academic excellence, innovation, community partnerships, and student success. We are equally grateful to Dr. Edman for her extraordinary leadership and the lasting legacy she leaves at Brookdale.”

Drewson brings more than a decade of higher education leadership experience with expertise in academic operations, accreditation, strategic planning, faculty development, assessment, and applied learning. She has successfully led program reviews, expanded experiential learning opportunities, strengthened workforce partnerships, and aligned academic programs with evolving community and public health needs.

At Monmouth University, Drewson supervised nine full-time faculty members and more than 26 adjunct instructors, managed more than 140 course sections annually, and led strategic initiatives focused on student learning outcomes, curriculum innovation, and enrollment management. She also developed community-based experiential learning programs that integrate classroom instruction with real-world service and workforce preparation.

Drewson joins Brookdale at a time of significant growth for the School of Health Science. The College continues to expand educational pathways that address New Jersey’s critical healthcare workforce needs. Recent initiatives include the opening of a new dental clinic in partnership with Parker Family Health Center that provides free care to underserved Monmouth County residents while serving as a clinical training site for Brookdale students. The College has also expanded programs in nursing, respiratory care, radiologic technology, and other allied health fields, strengthened partnerships with regional healthcare providers, and continues to experience strong demand for admission into its healthcare programs.

“I am honored to join Brookdale Community College and build upon the outstanding foundation established by Dr. Edman and the dedicated faculty and staff in the School of Health Science,” said Drewson. “Brookdale has an exceptional reputation for educating healthcare professionals who make a difference in our communities. I look forward to working alongside our faculty, students, and healthcare partners to expand opportunities, strengthen workforce pathways, and continue preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.”

Brookdale’s School of Health Science offers nationally recognized programs in nursing and allied health fields that prepare students for careers in some of New Jersey’s most in-demand professions. Through strong partnerships with hospitals, healthcare systems, and community organizations, students gain hands-on clinical experience while addressing the state’s growing healthcare workforce needs.