Elkins Park Pennsylvania, March 27, 2009 - Salus University proudly announces the appointment of Victor Bray, Ph.D., who will become the new Dean of the George S. Osborne College of Audiology in June. In announcing the appointment, Dr. Anthony F. Di Stefano, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Salus University, cited Dr. Bray's outstanding credentials, noting his "demonstrated leadership qualities, broad clinical experience, distinctive professional accomplishments, and a proven track record of success." He added, "His more than thirty years of experience in Audiology and the hearing device field, in addition to management experience that includes executive staff, research and development, auditory and clinical research, regulatory affairs and quality assurance, make Dr. Bray uniquely qualified to assume this leadership role within the University."
In accepting the appointment, Dr. Bray spoke of "the exemplary history of Salus University and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in educating exceptional doctoral-level clinicians." He stated, "The Osborne College of Audiology includes one of the profession's largest and finest training programs and has outstanding faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends and facilities. I look forward to continuing the work of the program's founding Dean, Dr. George Osborne, to insure that our Doctor of Audiology graduates will be prepared to provide the finest patient care possible."
Dr. Bray holds a doctorate (Ph.D.) in Speech and Hearing Science from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Speech Communication in Audiology degree from Auburn University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Georgia. Dr. Bray's prior experience includes adjunct professorships at Central Michigan University and Utah State University. He has presented in numerous workshops, seminars and conferences on the clinical applications of research results, and has authored three book chapters and numerous technology papers.
Additionally, Dr. Bray was recently named co-editor of Audiology Practices, the official publication of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA). On hearing of his appointment as dean, Audiology Practices editor, Nancy Gilliom, Ph.D., said, "Dr. Bray's involvement will ensure that Audiology Practices continues to serve as a premier resource for autonomous audiologists who are dedicated to best clinical and business practices, and I look forward to partnering with him in this endeavor."
Dr. Bray began his career in direct patient care and was Director of Audiology for the Austin (Texas) Ear Clinic. Observing the dramatic changes in patient satisfaction that could be produced by technology, specifically from advanced hearing aid signal processing, he transitioned into working with industry and co-developed approximately twenty hearing aid brands that are sold worldwide and have yielded wholesale revenues in excess of $1 billion. Dr. Bray's most recent position, prior to his decision to impact the Audiology profession through education, was Vice President and Chief Audiology Officer for Sonic Innovations. Before joining Sonic Innovations, he was Director of Clinical Research for ReSound Corporation.
Sam Westover, Chairman and CEO of Sonic Innovations stated, "We would like to congratulate Dr. Bray on his appointment. He was a key contributor to the success and growth of Sonic Innovations and we are confident he will have a significant impact on the training and education of new generations of audiologists."
Dr. Bray is the recipient of the 2003 Hearing Industries Association (HIA) Volunteerism Award for "dedication, expertise and effort in creating a structure that ensures the substance and the science that supports the hearing aid marketing and advertising in America."
HIA Executive Director Carole Rogin offered the industry's hearty congratulations to Dr. Bray, noting "his substantial volunteer contributions to the creation of a clinical protocol for hearing aid performance claims moved our products and our industry onto a higher plane for the 21st century. Dr. Bray truly shaped the way in which today we speak about hearing aid performance. We are confident that his industry knowledge and perspectives will substantially deepen the experience and skills of his students."
In 2008, the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, which was founded in Philadelphia PA in 1919, established Salus University. Salus is a Latin word meaning health and well-being, an apt name for an institution that educates tomorrow's optometrists, audiologists, physician assistants, and teachers and therapists of those with visual and multiple disabilities.
The University offers a total of nine accredited degree programs in its four colleges: the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, the George S. Osborne College of Audiology, the College of Education and Rehabilitation, and the College of Health Sciences.
