Suzanne Campbell, Ph.D., WHNP-BC, associate dean for Academic Programs of Fairfield University's School of Nursing , has been named as interim dean of the school.

Campbell, of Newtown, Conn., will assume the position at the close of this academic year, in the place of Jeanne M. Novotny, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, who decided to step down from the position after ten years of exemplary and groundbreaking leadership.

A Fairfield faculty member for the past 11 years, Campbell will hold the post for the 2011-2012 academic year while Fairfield conducts a national search for a full-time dean. Her appointment comes at a time of remarkable growth at the School of Nursing, evidenced in part by the school entering its second year of offering clinical doctorate programs.

Campbell is looking forward to shepherding the school through further growth, citing such initiatives as pediatric palliative care curriculum development and expanding international learning opportunities for students in India, Korea and Ireland. "I'm very excited about this opportunity to serve," Campbell said. "Jeanne Novotny has set such a wonderful foundation, and I'm happy to have had the opportunity to work so closely with her and the Advisory Board over the years.

"I'm in awe of the support of my colleagues who have made me feel that together, we can continue to move the school forward," she added.

Rev. Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J., president of Fairfield University, said that Campbell's dedication to her students and to the advancements in scholarship and research in her field make her an ideal choice for the post. "I know that under her guidance and stewardship, the School of Nursing will continue to excel, and to provide world-class training and education in the disciplines of nursing, infused with our Jesuit and Catholic emphasis on our obligation to form professionals dedicated to the care and wellbeing of others."

Campbell, associate professor of nursing, has long served many roles at Fairfield. Inspired by the Jesuit mission and possessing infectious enthusiasm, she has been a leader at the School of Nursing, as project director of the Robin Kanarek '96 Learning Resource Center, a state-of-the-art simulated hospital environment where students learn and practice basic to advanced nursing skills. She is also director of the school's graduate programs, which now include doctorate programs among them. "We have wonderful opportunities this year," said Campbell whose research interests include women's health, lactation, and simulation pedagogy. "I'm excited about our future."

Campbell has distinguished herself as a scholar and a clinician. She is co-editor of the book "Simulation Scenarios for Nurse Educators: Making it Real," which has been translated into Korean. She has been certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2001. The recognitions that she has received over the years include her recent induction into the Nursing Academy of the National Academies of Practice. Just this past month, she won the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL)'s Excellence in the Academic Setting Award - Mentoring category , after she was nominated by Fairfield nursing faculty.

"Her numerous acts of generosity and her willingness to serve the community as a mentor and volunteer in so many capacities are extraordinary," noted Fr. von Arx.

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J., senior vice president for Academic Affairs, said of the appointment: "I look forward to working with Dr. Campbell throughout the year to come, in partnership with the excellent faculty and staff of the School of Nursing, as we continue quite successfully to guide our undergraduate and graduate students through a rigorous, highly respected and fully accredited set of academic programs."

Posted On: 05-09-2011 11:05 AM

Volume: 43 Number: 301