Office of Advancement
Dr. Mohammad Torabi Named Interim Dean for the IU School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
Indiana University’s Provost Karen Hanson has named Dr. Mohammad Torabi the Interim Dean of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER). Dr. Torabi, Chancellor’s Professor of Applied Health Science since 1997, has served as Chair of the school’s Department of Applied Health Science, and served as Assistant Chair of the Department of Applied Health Science and Graduate Coordinator.
Torabi holds a Ph.D. in Health Education from Purdue University, a Master of Public Health degree from Indiana University, a Master of Science in Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the School of Public Health of Tehran University, Tehran, Iran.
His research focus has been in the area of measurement and evaluation of public and school health programs and factors associated with health behavior. His research extends into health promotion and key factors related to individuals’ decisions in the prevention of tobacco and other drugs, cancer, and HIV/AIDS infection. He has extensively published his research in a variety of major national and international journals in the field.
Torabi serves as editor of The Health Education Monograph Series, is past assistant research editor for The Journal of School Health and currently serves on the editorial board for The American Journal of Health Education. He is past-president of the American Academy of Health Behavior.
Dr. Torabi holds membership in the following organizations:
• Eta Sigma Gamma, National Health Science Honorary, Life Member
• American Public Health Association
• International Union for Health Promotion and Education
• American Academy of Health Behavior
• Society for Public Health Education
• American School Health Association, Life Member
• American Association for Health Education (AAHPERD), Life Member
Torabi assumes the position of Interim Dean as Dr. Robert M. Goodman stepped down to pursue other academic interests. “Dr. Goodman established a solid foundation as we continue to pursue becoming a school of public health,” Torabi said. “We will continue on this path and will work together with all departments and respective faculty as well as the Division of Recreational Sports to ensure the success and stability of the school going forward.”
Torabi continued to say, “First and foremost, we want students and faculty to know that the school’s mission, and our commitment to quality education is our top priority. We are the third largest school on the Bloomington campus, and I am committed to working with all departments to ensure that this transition in leadership will only strengthen and unify our school for the future.”
The School of HPER will continue its mission to address quality of life, health and wellness issues throughout Indiana, the country and the globe through its various centers and institutes. The school will address public health concerns from substance and domestic abuse and ecological factors, to environmental education and sexual health and AIDS/STD research, to tourism and fitness, as well as other areas.
More information about the school’s transition plan and process can be found at www.hper.indiana.edu/initiative.
