David C. Beck will step in as interim dean of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the end of January as Tony Delitto moves full time into his role as associate provost for digital education, according to an announcement from Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for health sciences.

Beck was named SHRS vice dean in 2023 and executive vice dean on Nov. 1, 2024. He joined the SHRS faculty 15 years ago as the first faculty member hired to teach in the physician assistant studies program.   

He was the first chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies, first director of the PA Studies hybrid program, and first SHRS associate dean for interprofessional studies. Among his many honors are recognition as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the 2023 Pennsylvania Society of Physician Associates PA of the Year, and a PA Educator of the Year.

Beck holds a bachelor of science in health science and a master of physician assistant science from Saint Francis University and earned his doctor of education from the University of Pittsburgh. His clinical interests include emergency medicine and physical medicine/rehabilitation, especially the design and application of assistive technology that improves quality of life and health outcomes for those of us with physical disabilities.

Delitto was named to the new associate provost for digital education role last fall and will be vacating his role as SHRS dean Jan. 31. A national search will be launched for a permanent successor.