Cape Fear Community College has named Mary Ellen Naylor as dean of Health Sciences, according to a news release.

Naylor, who has been with the college since 2003, first began working as a dental hygiene instructor and rose to serve as the program director and department chair for Allied Health, stated the release.

She was also chair of the college’s curriculum committee, officials said.

CFCC’s Health Science programs include an associate’s degree in nursing, dental assisting, medical sonography and early childhood education.

“We are looking forward to the future of the Health Sciences division under the leadership of Dr. Naylor,” said Jason Chaffin, vice president of academic affairs, in the release. “Dr. Naylor brings to this position a wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as a strong commitment to student success and the mission of the college.”

Naylor earned a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master's degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, stated the release. She received a doctorate in leadership in higher education from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.