Dean Linda Seestedt-Stanford came to Western Carolina University from Central Michigan University (CMU) where she was Director of Clinical Instruction and Services in Audiology in the Department of Communication Disorders for twenty years and Assistant Dean in The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions for eight. During her tenure at CMU, Dr. Stanford garnered over a million dollars of grants and contracts to support Audiology and the institution.

Dr. Stanford is highly regarded for the work she has done in the area of pediatric audiology, she is often referred to by colleagues as a “pioneer” in the diagnosis and treatment of deaf and hard of hearing children in Michigan. Her career has been one of collaboration and community engagement. She has worked closely with a number of local, state and federal agencies to support the needs of deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families. She has presented regionally and nationally in the area of Audiology. She has also co-authored a book on language learning disabilities as well as published over twenty articles in professional journals dealing with rehabilitative and professional audiology issues.

In addition to owning a private practice in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan for twenty years, Dr. Stanford has been active in national and state organizations and committees, serving on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Dispensing Audiologists (ADA), Michigan Academy of Audiology, State of Michigan Audiology Licensing Board, and most recently the Accreditation Commission for Audiology Education (ACAE).

Dean Stanford received her doctorate from Michigan State University in Higher, Adult and Lifelong Education. Her expertise as a clinician, teacher, researcher and entrepreneur position her well to support the College of Health and Human Sciences as they build on their long standing tradition of excellence in teaching and learning and work to further impact  the health and wellness of North Carolinians.

Marie Huff, Ph.D.
Associate Dean
207 Belk
828-227-2141

Dr. Huff is an Asheville native who came to WCU in 1998. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia in 1986 and her Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina in 1998. Before becoming Associate Dean, Marie was a faculty member in the department of social work and served as department head from 2006-2008. Dr. Huff has over ten years of social work practice experience is in the field of mental health with adolescents and their families. She was employed as a clinical social worker and maintained a part-time private practice in Georgia. Her teaching and research interest include direct practice, diversity and cultural competence and mental health.

James Scifers, DScPT
Associate Dean
207 Belk
828-227-2164

Dr. James Scifers came to Western Carolina University in 2003 as the founding Program Director for the Athletic Training Education Program.  He joined the Office of the Dean in 200, serving in the role of Associate Dean for Advancement & Special Projects.  James continues to serve as an Associate Professor in the School of Health Sciences and the Department of Physical Therapy at Western Carolina University. 

Dr. Scifers received his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from East Stroudsburg University, his Master of Physical Therapy degree from Emory University and his Doctor of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy degree from the University of Maryland, School of Medicine.  He is a North Carolina licensed athletic trainer and physical therapist, holds the credential of Board Certified Specialist in Sports Physical Therapy and possesses nearly 20 years of clinical practice in sports medicine. 

Scifers is the current President of the North Carolina Athletic Trainers’ Association.  He is also an active member of the Mid-Atlantic Trainers’ Association as Chair of the Poster Committee, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association serving as Liaison to the APTA and the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education as a Site Visitor.  Among his more than twenty-five professional publications in the rehabilitation field, Dr. Scifers authored the SLACK text Special tests for Neurologic Examination in 2008.  He has also made more than 100 invited professional presentations to athletic trainers and physical therapists throughout his career.  

Prior to coming to Western, Scifers served as Program Director for the Athletic Training Education Programs at Salisbury University and Lock Haven University and also as a professor in the University of Kentucky, Department of Physical Therapy.    

Judy Dillard
Administrative Secretary
207 Belk
828-227-2143

Judy Dillard joined WCU as an administrative secretary in 2004, bringing with her 15 years of prior service in the UNC-system.  Her WCU career began in the Office of Law, Equity & Auditing.  She joined the Office of the Dean in January of 2006 as Executive Assistant.  Judy is an Alabama native but she and her husband, Gary, proudly claim western North Carolina as their home.

Gwen Nicholson
Student Services Assistant
207 Belk
828-227-2144

Gwen Freeman Nicholson assumed the role of Associate Support Specialist in the Office of the Dean in the College of Health and Human Sciences in June of 2008.  Prior to joining the office of the Dean, Gwen served as an administrative assistant with the MS(N) Nursing program at the Enka from 2007-2008.  Her previous employment history includes 25 years at the Smoky Mountain Center and Meridian Behavioral Health Services in the Accounts Payable and Purchasing Departments.