New HSHS dean believes it will take a community

By Roger Ruvolo

Connection with the community has been a hallmark of CSUMB’s efforts to develop ties to people in the area since its inception. And in Phillip Post, it has one of its most ardent advocates. 

Post, the new dean of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, has been overseeing degree programs since assuming the reins in April. He also spearheaded feasibility studies for the possible expansion of CSUMB’s academic offerings in health fields. 

Most of all, Post has been out in the community soliciting input. His early efforts, Post said, have been “for me, a lot about understanding what are the needs of this region.” 

Post said he “quickly realized the CSU system has limited resources. So we have to focus on working with local partners.” 

An example, Post said, would be if a hospital or a community health agency needed workers with a particular degree. CSUMB could then work closely with that community partner to develop a degree to meet the regional workforce need, he said.    

“One of our big issues is funding,” Post said. 

Currently, the college offers bachelor’s degrees in nursing, kinesiology and collaborative health and human services, and a master’s degree in social work. 

A native of San Jose, Post began his academic career studying performance psychology. He became a student of – and, eventually, an expert in – how athletes use imagery to improve performance. Post describes imagery as a multisensory experience that mimics real-life experiences. Using imagery helps an athlete see more quickly how to improve. 

When he’s not keeping an eye on his two pre-teen children, Post gets out for the occasional round of golf. 

Post’s interest in performance psychology took him first to UC Santa Cruz for a bachelor’s degree in psychology; then to Cal State Fullerton for a master’s degree in kinesiology. Post then earned his doctorate in exercise and sports sciences at the University of Tennessee. He quickly was hired in 2010 at New Mexico State University and served there in several capacities until taking the position at CSUMB.