With prior leadership roles at several CUNY colleges and both city and state administrations in New York, Elys Vasquez-Iscan is a seasoned public health veteran—and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Now she brings her wealth of experience to Lehman in her new role as associate dean of the School of Health Sciences, Human Services, and Nursing (HS2N).

“I am confident that Dr. Vasquez-Iscan’s diverse educational background and span of academic and industry experiences will serve the School of Health Sciences, Human Services and Nursing and the College well as we work together to advance our important mission of health equity and social justice in the Bronx and beyond,” said HS2N Dean Elgloria Harrison. 

Vasquez-Iscan’s career has focused on improving the health and wellbeing of underserved New York City communities. Lehman’s tradition of community engagement, and its service to diverse student populations, were primary reasons for her interest in the position, she said.

“This position provides a dynamic environment where I can engage in projects of broad scope and significant impact that support the mission of the School, and the College,” she said.

She comes to Lehman College as a tenured professor with an extensive background in public health administration and education, working on a number of grants including a National Science Foundation funded project on undergraduate STEM education for underrepresented student populations.

With responsibilities ranging from curriculum and program development, community relations, and accreditation, her most recent roles as the Community Health Unit coordinator and the director of Special Initiatives at Hostos Community College have prepared her well for her new role at Lehman.

Vasquez-Iscan is already familiar with Lehman College—particularly the Nursing program, where she has been an adjunct professor. In addition, she is an affiliated faculty member in the Department of Community Health and Social Sciences at the CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy; the Prison to College Pipeline through John Jay College; and the graduate program in Health and Nutrition at Brooklyn College.

Vasquez-Iscan received her Ed.D. degree in Health Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, a Master of Public Health in Global Health from New York University, and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Fordham University, as well as advanced certifications from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.