Jeanne M. Novotny, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing, has appointed Philip Greiner, DNSc, RN, associate professor, to the newly created position of associate dean for Public Health and Entrepreneurial Initiatives. The move comes as a result of the extraordinary success of Fairfield University's School of Nursing in being awarded grants and entering into corporate collaborations and partnerships. The School's Advisory Board endorsed the need for someone to spearhead future endeavors.

Dr. Greiner, who is also the director of Fairfield University's Health Promotion Center in Bridgeport, will work with Dr. Novotny, faculty and external organizations to guide the numerous initiatives relating to the School's many grants, partnerships, and corporate collaborations in an effort to leverage them for maximum impact. He also will continue to cultivate unique opportunities that involve linking the School to area health organizations to address state and federal priorities and initiatives.

A Fairfield resident, Dr. Greiner's experience establishing community partnerships, working in the larger public health arena, and fostering faculty initiatives within the School and the University helped prepare him for this new role. One such project is the new partnership with the VA Connecticut Healthcare System (VACHS) that is part of a program initiated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address the nation's severe nursing shortage. Fairfield was one of just four universities in the country - and the only one in the Northeast - awarded a competitive grant from the VA to establish a "Nursing Academy" that aims to provide highly-trained nurses to look after the health care needs of the nation's veterans.

Orin Grossman, Ph. D. academic vice president, said that Dr. Greiner's many years as a strong advocate for public health issues at Fairfield University and in the greater community make him the ideal person to shepherd the many projects and relationships. "I want to thank Dr. Greiner and I look forward to working with him and the entire School of Nursing on these activities."

Dr. Novotny said that Dr. Greiner's expertise will be a major force in shaping the future of the School of Nursing. "I am thrilled that Dr. Greiner has accepted this new appointment. His experience and leadership with public health initiatives and our numerous collaborations make him the ideal person for this role."

Dr. Greiner was instrumental in the collaboration between the School and the Emergisoft Corporation that got underway in August, a unique partnership that will benefit both entities. The partnership involves the School integrating Emergisoft's "Emergency Department Information System" software into its nursing curriculum and examining its potential to help educate nursing students around the country. He is the principal investigator of the Department of Health and Human Services, HRSA-funded ELDER Project, a partnership between the School and area health facilities and organizations to teach geriatric nursing best practices to nursing personnel who work with low-income adults in the greater Bridgeport area.

For many years, Dr. Greiner has been involved in the Bridgeport community. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors, Southwest Community Health Center. According to Dr. Greiner, community health centers provide excellent primary medical, behavioral and dental health services to those most in need of care, on a sliding fee basis. Their outreach fits closely with the Jesuit mission of Fairfield University and the School of Nursing - to be of service to others.

Posted On: 11-21-2007 10:11 AM

Volume: 40 Number: 118