With transformative curriculum redesigns, changes in school leadership, program advancements, and new nursing discoveries, the school is steadfast in its mission to champion health and well-being through nursing education, research and practice. Read about the school's recent highlights as we continue to drive innovation, foster inclusivity, and shape the future of healthcare through nursing.

In April 2024, Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., was appointed interim dean following the departure of Jean Giddens, Ph.D., who accepted a new role as dean of the University of Kansas School of Nursing after a decade of service at VCU. Kinser, an alumna of the VCU School of Nursing and faculty member since 2012, has served as assistant dean for the Office of Research in Scholarship, and Innovation. She holds an endowed professorship with a notable program of research focused on helping mothers, families, and children thrive, with funded studies on biobehavioral mechanisms and interventions for perinatal depression, long-term effects of SARS-COV-2, and improved depression screening and prevention methods.

This fall, the school was recognized with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award –one of only 19 nursing schools in the nation and one of two nursing schools in Virginia to be recognized for outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. “This recognition highlights our school's value of fostering an inclusive environment for our students, faculty, and staff who are highly motivated to work together in creating a more just and equitable healthcare landscape,” said Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., interim dean.

In the 2023-24 academic year, the school enrolled a total of 940 students across its various undergraduate and graduate programs, partnered with 697 preceptors who provided invaluable clinical training and mentorship to students, and graduated 298 students ready to enter the workforce as skilled and compassionate nurses.

Ranked #16 in the annual Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research's analysis of NIH funding, the school continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing nursing science through cutting-edge research. This prestigious ranking reflects the School of Nursing's growth in securing competitive grants, fostering innovative studies and contributing to impactful health outcomes.

Terry L. Jones, Ph.D., was appointed as associate dean of graduate programs, a role that oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of graduate-level curricula, supports graduate faculty and student success, and fosters advancements in research and clinical practice within the graduate programs.

The school unveiled its new strategic plan, "Charting Futures: A strategic plan for nursing education," which will serve as a visionary roadmap to guide its work through 2029. This comprehensive plan underscores the school’s mission of championing health and well-being while positioning itself as the premier institution for those leading healthcare transformation. Guided by core values of curiosity, integrity, compassion, inclusion, and collaboration, the plan establishes a framework for achieving excellence in nursing education, fostering innovative research, and advancing equitable healthcare practices. 

This fall Lisa F. Brown, Ph.D., was inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the highest honors in the field. She is among 233 distinguished nurse leaders selected for their significant contributions to advancing health and health care through research, education, and clinical practice.

Triple alumna of the school and vice president of operations for the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Jeniece Roane, Ph.D., was honored with the Paul A. and Veronica H. Gross Achievement in Nursing Award. Roane, who began her career in a pediatric intensive care unit, has been a dedicated member of the VCU healthcare community since 1997.

Mark Tanner, D.N.P., was named the associate dean of academic affairs in September. In this role, he will oversee curriculum development, academic program quality, and student success initiatives, ensuring the School's programs align with accreditation standards and evolving healthcare needs.

During the 2023-24 fiscal year, the VCU School of Nursing's Office of Research, Scholarship, and Innovation saw notable growth in research activities. With 64 new grant proposals submitted, including 25 to the National Institutes of Health, the school secured funding for 20 new projects totaling $2.3 million. 21 continuing grant-funded projects brought in another $5.2 million, resulting in a total research portfolio of $7.5 million.

Two VCU nursing researchers were featured on an episode of With Good Reason, a podcast produced by Virginia Humanities that airs on public radio stations across 38 states. Patricia A. Kinser, Ph.D., RN, WHNP-BC, FAAN, interim dean, and Sara Moyer, Ph.D., clinical research coordinator, joined host Sarah McConnell to discuss perinatal mental health and wellbeing and their work on the Thrive Guide, a planning tool they helped develop that encourages individuals to create a personalized support plan for their mental and emotional wellness as they prepare for and experience the perinatal period.