Executive Director, Student Health and Well-Being
UC San Diego
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Susan Fila, PhD, LCSW, serves as the executive director of Student Health and Well-Being at UC San Diego. Among her first priorities, Dr. Fila will focus on continuing to integrate and expand clinical and mental health services for the UC San Diego student body. Partnering with UC San Diego Health, students will be afforded comprehensive, effective and safe care of the highest quality. Services are provided to over 42,000 enrolled undergraduate, graduate and professional students.
Dr. Fila has more than 15 years of comprehensive management and clinical experience in safety, health, well-being and whole person care. She is a licensed clinical social worker with a PhD in social welfare. Her academic and non-profit background includes leadership positions at the Center for Discovery and Jewish Family Service LA, as well as clinical and research experience at Fordham University Graduate School of Social Welfare, Columbia University School of Social Work and other nonprofit organizations and hospitals in New York City.
Most recently, she served as interim associate dean of Health and Wellbeing at Santa Monica Community College, which has a student population of over 30,000. In this role she oversaw Student Health, Mental Health Basic Needs and was the co-lead for the Emergency Operations Team. Dr. Fila was responsible for building a comprehensive wraparound support infrastructure, integrating Student Health and Mental Health, and spearheading a social work case management model. During her time with Santa Monica College, she also served as president of the Mental Health and Wellness Association for California’s community colleges.
Dr. Fila is a mother of two, spending most of her free time with her family in San Clemente. She enjoys many outdoor activities and has a passion for interior design.