Interim Dean Appointed for the College of Nursing
Dr. Cindy J. Rishel will serve as interim dean beginning June 10.
Dear colleagues,
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Cindy J. Rishel has been appointed interim dean of the College of Nursing, effective June 10.
Dr. Rishel is a clinical professor in the College of Nursing and has more than 50 years of experience in nursing, healthcare and academic leadership. She earned her Ph.D. from the College of Nursing before joining the faculty in 2011. Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Rishel has held leadership roles in healthcare administration, operations, strategic planning, quality improvement and clinical education.
Her commitment to mentorship and leadership development in the College of Nursing makes Dr. Rishel well-suited for this role. Notably, she was instrumental in developing the college's Executive Health Systems Leadership Doctor of Nursing Practice program. As administrator of the program, she helps prepare the next generation of nursing leaders to improve clinical outcomes and advance clinical practice.
Her deep understanding of the college and its mission will support continuity and continued progress during this period of transition.
This appointment follows consultation with the Provost’s Advisory Committee made up of nursing faculty, staff and key campus partners assigned to review applications from those interested in the position. I am grateful for the engagement of the College of Nursing community in this process and the many faculty members who stepped up and were willing to serve.
A national search for the next permanent dean of the College of Nursing will begin this fall. I will share information regarding that search and opportunities to engage in the process in the coming weeks.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Rishel on this appointment. I look forward to working with her to advance the college's missions of education, research and clinical practice.
Sincerely,
Patricia A. Prelock
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
This email was sent to all students, faculty, staff, and DCCs in the College of Nursing; university senior leaders and Provost Integrated Leadership Team.