The MU School of Health Professions is pleased to announce that Botswana Toney Blackburn, PhD, has been named chair of the Department of Health Sciences (DHS). She has served as associate department chair since 2020. In addition to her role as department chair, Dr. Blackburn is a teaching professor and Honors-affiliated faculty member. 

“I am most excited about continuing to work with my DHS colleagues to teach the next generation of health care professionals,” Dr. Blackburn said. “By standing steady in times of change, I can help foster and build a collaborative learning environment between faculty, staff and students.” 

Dr. Blackburn was the first program director for the BHS in Health Science, which is now the most popular major on campus. Since joining MU in 2012, Dr. Blackburn has received many accolades including the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2022), Mizzou Alumni Association Faculty-Alumni Award (2021) and William T. Kemper Fellowship for Excellence in Teaching (2019).  

“I am thrilled that Dr. Blackburn accepted my offer to serve as DHS chair,” said Dean Kristofer Hagglund. “In addition to being recognized as one of the most talented educators in Missouri, she is a highly respected and talented leader. Dr. Blackburn will guide the department to success in all of its mission areas.”