Future Center for Human Flourishing New college brings growing health sciences programs together as Marian expands education and training for Indiana’s healthcare workforce
Marian University is launching its College of Community and Health Sciences, which brings together a growing portfolio of programs to prepare students for careers that improve health, mobility, independence, and quality of life.
The new college includes Marian’s programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and exercise and sports science, creating a collaborative academic home for disciplines focused on rehabilitation, human performance, wellness, and whole-person care.
Kate Huber, Ed.D., OTD, OTR, will serve as dean in launching this College of Community and Health Sciences. An occupational therapist and experienced higher-education leader, Huber has helped lead Marian’s expansion of health sciences education and the development of its occupational therapy programs.
“I'm honored to step into this role at such a pivotal moment for our college,” said Dr. Huber. “The College of Community and Health Sciences represents a bold vision for how we prepare students to serve our community with skill and compassion, and I look forward to advancing that work.”
The college’s growth is part of Marian’s broader commitment to preparing healthcare professionals to meet workforce needs in Indiana and beyond.
“The College of Community and Health Sciences represents another important step in Marian University’s commitment to educating healthcare professionals who are prepared to serve others with intelligence, skill, faith, compassion, and purpose,” said Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener. “Indiana needs mission-driven, talented healthcare professionals, and Marian is providing the programs, facilities, partnerships, and faculty that will meet those needs.”
That momentum includes a recent $250,000 grant from the OrthoIndy Foundation to support the development of the OrthoIndy Foundation Orthotic and Technology Application Laboratory within Marian’s planned Center for Human Flourishing.
The laboratory will provide occupational and physical therapy students with hands-on experience assessing, designing, fabricating, and fitting orthotic devices, as well as using assistive technologies to help patients improve mobility and independence. Approximately 105 students are expected to use the laboratory in its first year, increasing to about 333 students annually at full enrollment. Students are projected to receive more than 200 hours of hands-on laboratory experience throughout their academic programs.
“Helping people preserve mobility, independence and quality of life has always been central to the OrthoIndy Foundation’s mission,” said Dr. John Dietz, OrthoIndy Foundation founder and former U.S. Army orthopedic surgeon. “This laboratory will give future occupational and physical therapists the opportunity to develop practical, real-world skills that directly impact patients across Central Indiana, including many veterans who face complex orthopedic and mobility challenges following their service.”
The approximately 95,000-square-foot Center for Human Flourishing will serve as the future home for Marian’s occupational therapy and physical therapy programs and is expected to open in fall 2028. The facility is being designed to support interdisciplinary education and hands-on learning as Marian continues to expand its health sciences programs.
Rooted in Marian University’s Franciscan tradition, the College of Community and Health Sciences will emphasize the dignity of every person and prepare graduates to meet evolving healthcare and wellness needs through evidence-based practice, collaboration, and service.
For more information about Marian University’s College of Community and Health Sciences, click here