Douglas Haladay has been appointed dean of the College of Health Professions at SUNY Upstate Medical University. He began his new role Aug. 31. He succeeds Katherine Beissner, who has retired after serving a dean since 2017.
Haladay comes to Upstate from the University of South Florida, where he served as professor in the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences in the Morsani College of Medicine. From 2020 to 2026, he served as director of the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences and associate dean of the Morsani College of Medicine.
As director and associate dean, Haladay led academic, research and operational initiatives across the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, a bachelor’s program in Health and Physical Rehabilitation Science, and a master’s program in Athletic Training, overseeing a $4.5 million annual operating budget. During his tenure, the DPT program rose from No. 79 to No. 40 nationally, annual research expenditures increased by more than 80%, and faculty peer-reviewed publications more than doubled. He also secured more than $1.5 million in philanthropic support and external resources.
“Dr. Haladay brings a strong combination of academic leadership, clinical experience, research expertise and a demonstrated commitment to educating the next generation of health professionals,” said Upstate President Mantosh Dewan, MD, the Alan and Marlene Norton Presidential Chair. “His leadership experience and accomplishments at the University of South Florida will serve the College of Health Professions well as we continue to strengthen our programs, advance research and prepare health professionals to meet the needs of our region and beyond. I also want to recognize Dr. Katherine Beissner for her decade of dedicated service as dean and the important contributions she made to the college and to Upstate.”
“I am honored to join SUNY Upstate Medical University and the College of Health Professions,” Haladay said. “I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff, students and clinical partners to build upon the college’s strengths, expand educational and research opportunities, foster innovation, and advance our impact across the region and beyond.”
Haladay joined USF in 2013 after holding academic appointments at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Scranton. His earlier professional experience also includes leadership roles as a program manager and clinical director for multisite, interprofessional neurological and spine clinical services.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Scranton in 1994 and a Master of Health Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 2000. He earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from Temple University and his Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Pennsylvania State University in 2011.
Haladay has been recognized for his contributions to physical therapy education and leadership, including being named a fellow of the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education Leadership Institute. He has also participated in competitive fellowship programs sponsored by the U.S. Bone and Joint Initiative and the American Physical Therapy Association. In addition, he has received teaching awards from the MGH Institute of Health Professions and Pennsylvania State University Hazleton for excellence in teaching with technology.
Haladay has extensive experience in accreditation and quality assurance in physical therapist education. He currently serves as a reviewer for the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) and has played key roles in accreditation preparation, assessment, and continuous quality improvement throughout his academic leadership career.