Fairfield University Associate Professor Suzanne Hetzel Campbell, Ph.D., WHNP-BC, has been appointed to the position of associate dean for Academic Programs at the School of Nursing, a post that will be central to collaborating with administration and faculty on curriculum, teaching and scholarship.

The appointment comes in the midst of the School of Nursing's considerable growth and success. Dr. Campbell, who has been a nursing faculty member since 2000, has played a significant role in many of the School's recent achievements, particularly in regard to helping to secure grants, establishing partnerships and shepherding the School's state-of-the-art simulation teaching facility. An advanced practice registered nurse, her research has focused on women's health, breastfeeding, and interactive teaching using simulation.

Dr. Campbell, of Newtown, is the project director of the Fairfield University School of Nursing Robin Kanarek Learning Resource Center - a cutting edge simulation teaching facility that is considered one of the School's major achievements. As associate dean for Academic Programs, Dr. Campbell will continue to work with faculty to weave simulation teaching into course curriculum to prepare students for their clinical rotations so they can become safe, effective, caring nursing professionals. Dr. Campbell said, "My increasing interest in web-enhanced and simulation based teaching and learning helps me connect with the new generation of students and faculty and encourage all to stay up to date within this exciting profession."

Jeanne M. Novotny, Ph. D., RN, FAAN, dean of Fairfield University's School of Nursing, cited Dr. Campbell's leadership and tireless dedication as reasons for her being named to the position. "I welcome her into this role because she has the enthusiasm, energy, and commitment to our students and faculty members. Dr. Campbell is interested in learning about the administrative side of the School and University and this appointment affords her a new opportunity for her professional growth."

In her new role, Dr. Campbell will be working with the dean to oversee the School's undergraduate, graduate and second-degree programs. She will continue to teach, and encourage scholarship among School of Nursing faculty. An important undertaking will be recruiting nurses to be clinical preceptors, who are central to educating students at clinical sites. "Ultimately, I see myself as a facilitator," said Dr. Campbell, "who will work with faculty to review their teaching goals and identify any challenges. My goal will continue to be to do everything possible so that faculty members have the resources they need, working smarter, not harder, to teach students in the 21st century."

Dr. Campbell has participated in a number of the School's grant-funded research projects, often serving as a team leader, and she has played key roles in the School being awarded grants. For example, under her direction, the School received a grant of $100,000 earlier this year for the Learning Resource Center (LRC) from the Connecticut Health and Education Facilities Authority, making Fairfield one of only ten non-profits awarded from a highly competitive field of 40 applicants. In addition, she has co-edited a book with colleague Karen Daley titled "Simulation Scenarios for Nurse Educators: Making it REAL" in press with Springer Publishing Company, Inc. This book describes the innovative development of the LRC and features chapters by many Fairfield University faculty, as well as faculty from around the nation, sharing their journeys and simulation scenarios to help nursing faculty "make it REAL".

Dr. Campbell's responsibilities include being Ireland Country Coordinator for the School's study abroad program with the National University of Ireland (NUI) in Galway, where she consults with faculty on research and scholarly development. She has also been charged with overseeing matters involving the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation, from whom the School received the highest distinction of ten year accreditation. She was awarded the 2008 Fairfield University School of Nursing Advisory Board Faculty Member Award; and a 2008 Connecticut Quality Improvement Silver Innovation Award, among other honors.

Published in numerous journals, she is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and serves as Director-at-Large for the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA).

Posted On: 10-17-2008 10:10 AM

Volume: 41 Number: 96