The University of Tulsa is proud to announce the addition of two new collegiate deans following extensive international searches. Dr. Susan Pepin, M.D., has been named inaugural dean of Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences, and Blaine Greteman, Ph.D., has been selected to lead Kendall College of Arts & Sciences.
Pepin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having served as managing director of health and clinical partnerships, senior adviser to the executive vice president, and clinical professor in the College of Health Solutions and Edson College of Nursing & Health Innovation at Arizona State University. She will begin her duties Jan. 15, 2024.
“I am honored and excited to join The University of Tulsa as dean of Oxley College of Health & Natural Sciences and look forward to working with the students, faculty, staff, alumni and greater Tulsa community,” said Pepin. “Together, we will build on TU’s extraordinary history and establish a transformative college for science education, scholarship, and public impact for the 21st century. I plan to foster interdisciplinary collaborations, robust engagement in meaningful research, and a student and faculty experience that is distinctive to TU and its impact on our communities.”
Greteman currently serves as professor and chair of the Department of English at the University of Iowa, where he began his academic career in 2009. He will begin his duties July 1, 2024.
“As a native Oklahoman, it’s long been important to me that we have a world-class university in Tulsa, and I feel privileged to be a part of it. I’ve spent my career advocating for the liberal arts and sciences, and The University of Tulsa has been proving its value for over 125 years, when it was first known as ‘Kendall College,’” said Greteman. “Tulsa itself is a vibrant city that’s been a crucible for the racial, tribal, labor, and even ecological histories that have both formed and shaken this nation. I’m excited to help propel a college of liberal arts and sciences that speaks to and through this history, culture, and place.”
Notably, both Pepin and Greteman were Rhodes Scholars. Pepin studied psychology, philosophy, and physiology at Oxford after completing her bachelor’s degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry at Yale University in 1987. Greteman received his master’s in English literature from Oxford after receiving his bachelor’s degree in English literature from Oklahoma State University in 1998.
Pepin holds an M.D. degree from the University of California, San Francisco, and a master of public health from the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice. A tireless advocate for health equity and student success, Pepin served four years as president and CEO of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust where she managed a $550 million endowment and oversaw grants in health, arts and culture, and educational programs. She also is chief medical officer for Paxauris, a startup in hearing protection and wearable technology.
“Sue shares TU’s vision to continue to be one of the nation’s best colleges for students on the pre-med/pre-health career track as well as innovators and entrepreneurs who seek to make our world healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous,” said TU Provost George Justice.
Greteman earned his doctorate in English literature from the University of California, Berkeley in 2008. His research focuses on early modern book history, poetry, and drama, including Milton and Shakespeare. He has authored two books: “The Poetics and Politics of Youth in Milton’s England” and “Networking Print in Shakespeare’s England.” He also has a keen interest in the rapidly emerging field of artificial intelligence and how AI will affect universities of the future.
“The University of Tulsa has nearly 130 years of tradition as an academic powerhouse that provides every student with a solid foundation in the arts and humanities,” said Justice. “Blaine fully grasps TU’s goal to honor that legacy by giving students – regardless of major – a complete education, which includes exposure to music, social sciences, history, philosophy, and literature. Only with this depth of knowledge can we mold leaders ready to solve tomorrow’s problems.”
Greteman succeeds Kirsten Olds, who has served as interim dean of Kendall College since spring 2023 when then-Dean Karen Petersen was named president of Hendrix College.
Pepin succeeds Ron Walker, who has served as interim dean of Oxley College since spring 2022 when then-Dean Robin Ploeger was promoted to a vice president position.