Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSUCPM) will enter a new chapter of leadership in June 2026 as Mark Hardy, DPM, FACFAS, assumes the role of Interim Dean following the retirement of Allan Boike, DPM, FACFAS. A respected clinician, educator, and connector within the profession, Hardy brings a combination of practical experience and institutional commitment that positions him well to guide the college forward.
A graduate of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (OCPM), the legacy institution that became KSUCPM, Hardy’s roots run deep within the college. His professional journey reflects both clinical excellence and entrepreneurial success, having been part of a highly successful multi-site podiatry practice. This experience has given him a grounded understanding of patient care, operational leadership, and the evolving demands of healthcare delivery—insights that are invaluable in shaping future podiatric physicians.
What distinguishes Hardy most is his strong focus on relationships. Throughout his career, he has built and maintained meaningful connections across the podiatric and broader medical communities. These relationships extend to practitioners, healthcare systems, and industry suppliers, forming a network that benefits students, faculty, and the institution as a whole. His collaborative approach has consistently translated into tangible opportunities for KSUCPM.
Within the college, Hardy has played a pivotal role in developing and maintaining external host site locations for surgical rotations—an area critical to clinical training. His efforts have ensured that students have access to diverse, high-quality surgical experiences, strengthening the college’s reputation for producing well-prepared graduates.
Hardy is also a key contributor to KSUCPM’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) programming. His involvement has helped enhance educational offerings for practicing podiatrists, reinforcing the college’s role as a lifelong learning hub for the profession. In addition, he has been actively engaged in the college’s research initiatives, supporting the advancement of evidence-based practice and scholarly activity.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hardy maintains a strong focus on family. His wife, also an alumna of the college and CEO of a large podiatry practice in Cleveland that helps train our students, shares his connection to KSUCPM, underscoring a personal investment in its continued success.” This balance of professional dedication and personal grounding contributes to his approachable leadership style and long-term perspective.
Hardy’s deep institutional knowledge, combined with his expansive professional network and commitment to student success will help ensure a stable and forward-looking transition for KSUCPM during his tenure as interim dean.