Professor Dan West, Ph.D., Receives Earl Award
Daniel J. West Jr., Ph.D., professor and chair the Health Administration and Human Resources Department at The University of Scranton, received the John L. Earl III Award for 2021. From left are: Jacqueline Earl Hurst and Karen Earl Kolon, M.D. ’85, daughters of the late John Earl; Leonard G. Gougeon, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of English and Theatre and the 2020 John L. Earl III Award recipient; Dr. West; Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president; and Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.Daniel J. West Jr., Ph.D., professor and chair the Health Administration and Human Resources Department at The University of Scranton, received the John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, the faculty and the wider community. The 2021 John L. Earl III Award was presented at the University’s annual Fall Convocation, which took place on campus on Sept. 3.
The award is given annually to a member of the University community who demonstrates the spirit of generosity and dedication that the late Dr. John Earl, a distinguished professor of history, exemplified during his years at Scranton from 1964 to 1996.
A well-respected teacher and scholar with specialization in international health care, globalization, multiculturalism and diversity management, Dr. West holds a professor in public health appointment at Trnava University, as well as a visiting professor appointment at the University of Matej Bel, Slovakia and affiliated faculty at Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. He previously served as a CEO for a hospital, medical practice and several health care businesses. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 1990.
Leonard G. Gougeon, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of English and Theatre at the University and the 2020 John L. Earl III Award recipient, in presenting the award to Dr. West, referred to him as a “quiet overachiever,” as he listed the impressive accomplishments and service Dr. West has generously given to the University over the past three decades.
“For nearly two decades, he has served as the chairperson of his department, overseeing two undergraduate and three graduate programs of study. He has planned and conducted dozens of study abroad tours for graduate students and faculty to countries as diverse as Bolivia, Slovakia, Haiti and China. He has served as faculty senator, but his most under-appreciated contributions have been made, in the spirit of Jack Earl, through his commitment to the Faculty Affairs Council,” said Dr. Gougeon.
Dr. West maintains a fellowship with the American College of Healthcare Executives, American College of Medical Practice Executives, American Academy of Medical Administrators, American College of Health Care Administrators, American Academy of Behavioral Medicine and Association of Behavioral Healthcare Management. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Health Care Management Forum of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Regents Advisory Council for Northeast Pennsylvania. His other board memberships include the Healthy Northeast Pennsylvania Initiative, Scranton Temple Residency Program, Medical Advisory Board of the International Brain Trauma Association, Scranton Temple Residency Program IRB and the Behavioral Health Research Institute.
A resident of Covington Township, Dr. West received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the Pennsylvania State University. In 2019, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Trnava University, Slovakia.
