Dear Egan Friends,

The conclusion of the 2018-2019 academic year presents an ideal opportunity to reflect on the many accomplishments of the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health studies. While continuing to be inspired by the light and energy of our new 70,000 square foot nursing building, we launched our first interprofessional education program in public health and prepared for our first class of social work students. Our new state-of-the art simulation center just underwent a visit from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSiH), after which we were informed that we met all the criteria for full accreditation. Our graduate nursing programs rose in the U.S. News and World Report rankings and we’ve received approval from the Accreditation Commission for the Education of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) to begin planning a Doctoral Program in Clinical Nutrition.

While I could continue to reflect on the many accomplishments of our amazing faculty, staff and students, I am moved to gratitude for the high quality education Fairfield offers and the impact that our Egan School community makes on the health of those we serve. Our designation as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence in 2018 speaks to this quality, but the patients we serve say it better. One recent Veteran whom we serve within our expanding partnership with the Veterans Administration Medical Center in West Haven wrote of the impact of our students on his healthcare experience. He stated that the students “are very pleasant to all of us. It’s a joy and a privilege to have them come and work with us…You’re doing a GREAT job with them. They’re very professional. Please keep them coming as they’re a joy to have.” 

It was Florence Nightingale who said “Rather, ten times, die in the surf, heralding the way to a new world, than stand idly on the shore.” I believe after reading all the accomplishments of the Egan School, you will agree we are never standing idle, but are fulfilling our mission by forging new educational paths in nursing and health studies. We are grateful to each other and to all our supporters, who push and pull us along toward greatness. As always, I could not be more proud to serve as the Dean of the extraordinary Egan School. The exemplary accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students never cease to amaze me and I look forward to many more in the next academic year.

Sincerely yours,

Meredith Wallace Kazer, PhD, APRN, FAAN

Dean & Professor