Mary Gene Ryan, EdD, has dedicated nearly five decades to health and wellness. Since 2011, she has served as the managing editor for Health Physics Journal, a peer-reviewed scientific journal that focuses on research related to radiation safety and protection that serves as the official publication of the Health Physics Society. It covers topics like radiation effects, radiation biology, and practical applications of radiation protection in various fields like medicine and industry. In this role, she oversees the final stages of the publication process. Her responsibilities include ensuring content adheres to journal guidelines and curating articles that highlight significant scientific findings. She is also an active board member of the Health Physics Society, participating in monthly online meetings and annual conferences.
Since 2006, Dr. Ryan has also been an adjunct professor in the CAPS program at Charleston Southern University, playing a pivotal role in transforming the university into an electronic campus and leading its distance education efforts. From 2007 to 2012, she served as Title III grant coordinator at Midlands Technical College, where she was instrumental in implementing a successful reading program.
Dr. Ryan’s academic leadership began as dean of arts and sciences at Aiken Technical College from 1983 to 1996, followed by her role as dean of student success at Charleston Southern University from 1996 to 2006. Her expertise in education, English, and grammar has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being featured as a top professional in The Wall Street Journal. She has also received awards such as faculty member of the year at Aiken Technical College and the NIOSH Excellence in Teaching Award.
Dr. Ryan laid a strong educational foundation, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish language teacher education from Emmanuel College in 1975. She advanced her studies with a Master of Education in higher education in 1989 and a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction in 1994, both from the University of South Carolina. Additionally, she earned certification as a certified professional secretary from the International Association of Administrative Professionals in 1986. Her civic involvement includes serving as director at large on the Emmanuel College Alumni Board since 2023.
Reflecting on her path, Dr. Ryan’s transition from education and English to health physics publishing was significantly influenced by her late husband, Dr. Michael Ryan. As he shared insights from his work in radiation protection, she became increasingly familiar with the subject, ultimately leading to her role in scientific publishing. Her expertise in English proved invaluable when Health Physics Journal, the official publication of the Health Physics Society, sought a managing editor. With a strong background in language and editing, she refined submissions from non-native English speakers, integrating into scientific publishing while remaining engaged in health physics after retiring from teaching.
An Emmanuel College graduate, Dr. Ryan credits her liberal arts education for her adaptability and intellectual curiosity. She serves on the alumni board, advocating for the value of a broad academic foundation. While not a health physics expert, she applies her linguistic skills to the field, embracing new challenges in her retirement. Her most notable achievements include leading Charleston Southern University’s transition to an electronic campus and pioneering its distance education programs. She is also proud of her role in establishing the reading program at Midlands Technical College, contributing to literacy development and student success.
Dr. Ryan attributes her success to two integrity and initiative. She emphasizes the importance of doing the right thing, even when it is not the easiest or most popular choice, as it fosters long-term pride and accomplishment. She also encourages seizing opportunities by volunteering for new projects, regardless of familiarity or financial gain, believing such experiences expand skills, open career paths, and drive personal growth. Looking ahead, she plans to travel more extensively and explore different parts of the world.