Dr. Cassandra Peel is the Dean, College of Health Professions (COHP). A New York City native, Dr. Peel is a proud healthcare and higher education leader, with nearly 20 years of extensive experience at both private and public hospitals and universities in California, Arizona, and remotely.

Prior to joining SCU, Dr. Peel served as Department Chair and the founding Program Director for Social Work at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, CA that was successfully accredited in 2024. Prior to that, Dr. Peel taught and held leadership positions at The Claremont Colleges, University of Arizona, and Arizona State University. A medical social worker by trade, Dr. Peel has created award-winning civic engagement programs, developing innovative field placements at medical centers, community-based hospice, ambulatory clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nonprofits.

Dr. Peel earned her bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Sociology from Claremont McKenna College, in Claremont, CA. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Loma Linda University with a medical emphasis and trained at Loma Linda University Medical Center and Casa Colina Center for Rehabilitation. She received her Doctorate (PhD) in Higher Education Administration – Health Sciences Emphasis from the University of Arizona where she worked as a Senior Advisor, Health Professions and as Faculty Advisor for the University of Arizona Mobile Health Clinic.

Dr. Peel’s research area of expertise is socioemotional support systems for healthcare workers. Dr. Peel has published in the Journal of Higher Education, American Journal of Hematology, and received coverage from the New York Times for her work on pediatric mental health. While working in Arizona, she received Tucson’s 40 Under 40 award for her leadership overseeing multiple service lines and hospital and clinic openings at Banner University Medical Center, Banner Diamond Children’s Hospital, and the University of Arizona Cancer Center. Dr. Peel is a gifted public speaker and facilitator and has given countless presentations at The California Institute of Technology, Point Loma Nazarene University, and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.