Academic Spotlight: Dr. Meredith O’Hara, Associate Dean Overseeing Health Professions

Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) associate dean overseeing health professions, Dr. Meredith O'Hara, has been working in higher education for nearly two decades. O'Hara earned her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology from Pepperdine University and later went on to earn her PhD in Biological Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Recently, O'Hara answered questions about what inspired her to pursue a career in science and what she loves about SNHU.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

I have been working in higher education since 2008. I started as an assistant professor of biology at a small, private university in Southern California. After moving back to Texas, I continued teaching at various universities. I became an associate dean for strategic initiatives at my previous institution a few years before beginning at SNHU as an associate dean overseeing the BS in Healthcare Administration and BS in Health Sciences programs.

What first drew you to higher education?

I admired my mentor at Pepperdine University — she was so smart and personable and had an obvious passion for teaching. She made learning fun for me! I worked as a teaching assistant (TA) for lab courses at Pepperdine and found myself enjoying the opportunity to help and teach fellow students. Then in graduate school, I applied for and was awarded an NSF (National Science Foundation) Fellowship that allowed me to take science lessons into high schools in Los Angeles, and again, I realized that I really enjoyed, and had a knack for teaching.

What aspects of your own education have been influential in shaping your career in academia?

I had a really challenging, but super interesting high school biology teacher that initially made me interested in studying biology in college. Once in college I had a mentor (mentioned above) that really inspired me. In graduate school, my mentor really pushed me to reach my career goals — she and I are still friends!

What attracted you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

I love biology and how it relates to health — since I was a kid, I have been a really curious person, so doing science experiments is right up my alley! The science field is constantly changing as we learn and discover more and more about the human body and how food, disease, the environment, genetics, (everything!) affects how it functions. I love learning about things that I can directly relate to my own health.

How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?

I have found that being humble and admitting my downfalls and where I lack knowledge helps me connect with students. I don’t, and never will, know everything there is to know about biology or healthcare, and I think it is important to admit that and be open about it so that students know that it's OK to not know everything and that asking questions is how we learn!

What brings you the greatest joy in your work at SNHU?

I love the inclusive environment at SNHU and how kind and helpful my colleagues are.

What do you feel is unique about the faculty and students you work with?

I have noticed that the students I have worked with at SNHU are incredibly driven to succeed and reach their career goals. I admire our students’ ability to juggle work, family, school and life — and succeed!

What does SNHU’s mission to transform the lives of learners mean to you?

I think we help transform the lives of learners in so many ways. One good example is that we do our best to meet learners where they are and do our best to make sure all learners have the tools to succeed. I appreciate all of the faculty and amazing advisors we have at SNHU that go above and beyond to help students succeed. I also regularly see faculty and advisors display sincere care for their students, and that is something that I think can truly transform a learner’s life.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or really enjoy doing?

My husband and I love to travel! I really enjoy learning about and experiencing cultures around the world. I also love to be creative — whether it be by painting, sewing, cooking or renovating/decorating my home!

Alexa Gustavsen ’21 '26G is a content marketing specialist and writer at Southern New Hampshire University. Based in New Hampshire, she completed her bachelor's in creative writing and English on campus at SNHU. She also earned a master's in marketing from the university. Connect with her on LinkedIn.