About the Director

Dr. Charles Christiansen became the founding Director of the Center for Allied Health Programs in December, 2006. Prior to that, he served as Dean and George T. Bryan Distinguished Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch for over a decade. Dr. Christiansen has also held faculty appointments and administrative positions at The University of British Columbia and at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

He earned his doctorate in educational administration at The University of Houston and completed a post-doctoral certification through Baylor College of Medicine. Dr Christiansen holds Master's and professional undergraduate degrees in Counseling Psychology and Occupational Therapy, respectively. He is a distinguished alumnus of the University of North Dakota and holds an adjunct professorship at The University of Queensland in Australia. He has served in numerous leadership positions in professional societies, has co-authored seven textbooks, and has published over 100 chapters and scientific articles. He resides in Rochester, Minnesota.