The David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics at Syracuse University offers degree programs in exercise science, human development and family science, marriage and family therapy, nutrition and food studies, public health, social work, and sport management. Named in 2011 by a generous gift from David B. Falk ’72 and Rhonda S. Falk ’74, Falk College’s legacy is grounded in the values of social justice and global citizenship and continues the meaningful work that originated at Syracuse in 1917. Falk College is the alumni home of programs in the former Colleges of Home Economics, Human Development, Human Services and Health Professions, Human Ecology, and Nursing, and the School of Social Work. The College’s signature theory-to-practice academic model includes intensive hands-on learning to prepare students for professions that improve the emotional and physical well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
The mission of Falk College is to provide instructional excellence and leadership in its fields of study through scholarship, practice, civic engagement, advocacy and entrepreneurial endeavors to promote the health and well-being of individuals of all ages, their families, and their communities within the framework of social justice principles.
The College’s leadership team works closely with Falk College Dean, Jeremy S. Jordan, and includes associate deans responsible for the following areas:
Mary Graham, Associate Dean, Faculty Affairs
Chandice Haste-Jackson, Associate Dean, Student Services
Katherine McDonald, Senior Associate Dean, Research and Administration
Kenneth James Marfilius, Assistant Dean, Online & Distance Education
Megan Myers, Assistant Dean, Advancement
Rachel Razza, Associate Dean, Human Dynamics
Kay Stearns Bruening, Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
The Dean’s Office is located at 440 White Hall, can be reached at 315-443-2027 for more information about academic programs, services and all other activities related to the College.
The Falk Legacy
Syracuse University recognizes the significant gift that made Falk College possible.
Watch the video “The Falk Legacy”
Watch “David Falk: Agent of Change” documentary on David Falk
Read about David and Rhonda Falk
Read about the Falk’s $15 million gift
Who We Are
Falk College at Syracuse University shares in a legacy that spans a century. The Colleges and Schools that came before us have woven the values of human connection, civic service, and social justice into the very heart of Falk College, including Home Economics, Human Development, Human Services and Health Professions, Human Ecology, Nursing, and the School of Social Work. These same values shape and guide the College today.
In the words of social work alumnus Thomas Barnello G’19, the Falk College community shares a common belief that “service means more.” Building on a century-long academic and professional tradition embedded in social justice, Falk students challenge themselves to this higher standard of service, embracing a personal and professional responsibility to empower communities large and small, near and far. In the video below, discover what it means to be a Falk College student:
We are deeply proud to share in the everlasting impact that our collective alumni have made in the world, alongside fellow Syracuse University alumni through the years. Together, they have been relief in times of need, change in times of injustice, and discovery in times of uncertainty—the very same things our students dream and strive to be. Thanks to alumni who paved the way for them, the good work continues.
It’s no surprise that our academic programs, too, have been shaped by programs that came before them: that sport management takes from the business-savvy consumer studies, marketing management, retailing; that nutrition, nutrition science, and food studies benefit from such programs as the dietetics coordinated program, food systems management, restaurant & food service management, hospitality & food service management, and home economics; that human development and family science, formerly child and family studies, incorporates competencies from the distributive education and early child education N-6 programs; while public health takes clinical knowledge from programs in nursing, as well as health and wellness; and finally that social work and marriage and family therapy build on strong foundations of family & community services and social science programs. What might surprise you is Syracuse University programs in fashion design/merchandising, clothing studies, textile design/clothing, interior design, environmental design, and selected studies, some of which endure today in other schools and colleges, have also made an appearance in the evolution of Falk College. Conversely, we’ve had programs that originated in other Syracuse University schools and colleges move to join us here in Falk College, such as our exercise science programs, which joined Falk College in 2020.
In 2011, David B. Falk ’72 and Rhonda S. Falk ’74 made a generous gift to the College of Human Ecology, and thus, it was renamed the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. And it is because of this treasured heritage of academic diversity that Falk students today engage in interdisciplinary work in the classroom, in research, and in the community. Indeed, true to its roots, Falk College is well-known for its groundbreaking work in these settings, and for engaging different perspectives for the benefit of our future. And students, faculty, staff, and alumni of all points in our history can celebrate in this success together.
As we look to the future, we are excited to see our collective impact continue. We hope you will share in each moment as we continue to write our legacy of educating the spirit of service that spans the generations.