By Aidan Bearden / Staff Writer 

MVC has brought Dr. Thomas Bertoncino on board as the new Associate Dean of Health Sciences. Bertoncino has more than 26 years of teaching experience and 36 years of experience in the field of health sciences. As Bertoncino takes on his new role at MVC, his goal is to develop and strengthen MVC’s health sciences program.

Before coming to MVC, Bertoncino worked with Park University and the University of Saint Mary to strengthen their Athletic Training and Exercise Science programs. At Park University, Bertoncino was the Program Director of Athletic Training, Program Coordinator, Associate Professor, and Chair of the Department of Athletic Training. After leaving Park University, he traveled to the University of Saint Mary, where he took on the roles of Program Director of Athletic Training, Program Director of Exercise Science, Professor, Associate Professor, Interim Chair of the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division, and Chair of the Health Sciences Division. 

As Associate Dean of Health Sciences, Bertoncino’s first goal is to grow the program.

“Right now, my primary goal is to create a Master of Science in Exercise Science,” said Bertoncino.

 However, this goal is hindered by the limited time available, as Bertoncino plans to offer this Master’s program by the fall semester of 2026. This year, MVC introduced a Master of Business Administration. Introducing Master’s programs to MVC encourages graduate students to continue their education at MVC. 

Ana Santos, an MVC student studying exercise science, believes that Bertoncino’s contributions to the field of exercise science could benefit students greatly.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for exercise science major students to stay here and keep pursuing more knowledge,” said Santos. “They are already getting a degree here, and those connections and a Master’s can open a lot of doors.”

Outside of Bertoncino’s long-term goals at MVC, he would also like to make an immediate impact. The immediate impact Bertoncino is mostly focused on is inspiring and working with students.

“Probably the biggest thing that inspires me is just helping students. I’ve been in this business for quite a while, and I get a kick out of watching the student come here as an 18-year-old, then you see a 22-year-old walking across the stage.”

Although Bertoncino has just arrived at MVC, he already feels connected to the school and accepted. 

“I feel very welcomed,” said Bertoncino. “I’ve met a lot of new people… every time I’ve asked a question, someone’s jumped up and said, ‘I’ll help you answer that question.”

Bertoncino is a self-proclaimed ‘Sport Junkie,’ leading him to instantly connect with the MVC community, a community of primarily student-athletes. His obsession with sports is what sprouted his love for sports medicine.

“I’ve always played sports… I got injured playing football,” said Bertoncino. “I had to go through physical training, and that’s what sparked my interest in sports medicine.”

Bertoncino said that he is very passionate about health science and is striving to develop the program as fast as possible. Bertoncino’s impact at MVC could potentially change the lives of many students studying health science and specifically exercise science.