Paxson Named San Juan College Dean of Health Sciences

Her tenure at San Juan College began in 2000, as the first faculty member for the Dental Hygiene Program. After leaving to teach in the public schools, she returned to San Juan College in 2008. Paxson served as the Hygiene program’s First-Year Coordinator before serving as the school’s interim dean.

From San Juan College

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Congratulations to Sherry Paxson who was recently named the dean of the School of Health Sciences.

Paxson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Oklahoma. She graduated from the San Juan College Alternative License Teacher Education Program. She earned her Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico.

Her tenure at San Juan College began in 2000, as the first faculty member for the Dental Hygiene Program. After leaving to teach in the public schools, she returned to San Juan College in 2008. Paxson served as the Hygiene program’s First-Year Coordinator before serving as the school’s interim dean.

Prior to joining San Juan College, Paxson taught 7^th grade Biology at Heights Middle School. She was the first bachelor degree Dental Hygienist to be commissioned in the U.S. Public Health Service. She served with the Indian Health Service as a Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Coordinator in Oklahoma, Idaho, and New Mexico. She planned, implemented and evaluated dental public health programs that served thousands of Native Americans.

“I am confident that the School of Health Sciences will continue to grow and improve under Sherry’s leadership,” says Dr. Adrienne Forgette, San Juan College vice president for Learning. “Her experience as Interim Dean and as a faculty member will greatly benefit San Juan College. She brings an excellent understanding of the school, its programs, and the faculty with her into this new role.”

“I am excited to meet the new challenges of serving the School of Health Sciences and San Juan College,” adds Paxson. “I look forward to working with the programs and people in the School to make San Juan College the premier institution for allied health education in this region. We have a great opportunity to serve our students and improve the health of our community by graduating exemplary health professionals.”

Paxson has been married to her high school sweetheart, Randy for 34 years. They have two adult sons, Chandler and Presley. Paxson enjoys sports, playing games and refurbishing old furniture. She is an intense soccer fan and a Harry Potter nerd.