May 4, 2026
The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) is announcing an important leadership transition. James “Jimmy” Oñate, PhD, AT, FNATA, who has been serving as interim director of HRS and interim vice dean for Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in The Ohio State University College of Medicine, has accepted a new opportunity. Effective June 1, Dr. Oñate will become the next dean of the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Dr. Oñate has led HRS since August 2024, a period marked by both significant transition and remarkable progress. During his tenure, he worked closely with faculty, staff and university partners to advance the school’s mission of developing transformational leaders and strengthening its impact in education, research and service. His leadership helped maintain strong academic performance across programs while supporting interdisciplinary and interprofessional initiatives aligned with priorities of the College of Medicine and the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
Under his guidance, HRS continued to excel nationally. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report “Best Graduate Schools” rankings, Ohio State’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program held its No. 4 position, and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program was ranked No. 13 school also earned recognition in the publication’s “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs,” with the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and the Associate of Science to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences programs ranking No. 4 nationwide. These distinctions underscore the school’s growing reputation for excellence.
A member of the HRS faculty since 2010, Dr. Oñate is internationally recognized for his work in human movement assessment, injury prevention and performance optimization. His research spans athletics, military and tactical populations, and law enforcement. He has played a key role in shaping integrated human performance and sports medicine models now used across the U.S. military special warfare community and continues to contribute to the Naval Special Warfare Sports Medicine community.
As Dr. Oñate prepares to begin his new role at the University of Pittsburgh, he leaves HRS well positioned for continued success. The school extends its gratitude for his 16 years of dedicated service to Ohio State and congratulates him on this next chapter in his career.
Additional information regarding the appointment of a new interim director and the formation of a search committee for this leadership position will be shared in the coming weeks.