College of Health Professions Dean Christine Pacini '70, '74 has been a student at both University of Detroit and Mercy College of Detroit, a faculty member at Mercy College and UDM, and now dean. She brings a well-rounded perspective to the task and a desire to have alumni feel the same pull to the College and University that she does.

CHP Dean Christine Pacini '70, '74 (left) with Vice President for Academic Affairs Pamela Zarkowski, at the McNichols Campus Commencement, May 15.

Says Pacini, "I am a product of UDM and all its ways. The charisms of both the Jesuits and the Sisters of Mercy and the mission of those organizations, individually and combined, keep drawing me back. There is something very compelling about them, which threads it all together for me. I think that if I am an outstanding nurse and teacher, it is because of how I was educated, and that I'm a solid administrator because of how I was developed and assisted and formed. It's been an ongoing developmental process and relationship."

Pacini received her Bachelor of Arts degree in History at University of Detroit in 1970 and her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Mercy College of Detroit in 1974. She also served as a faculty member at Mercy College from 1979 -1988, and at University of Detroit Mercy from 1996 - 2003 in the positions of associate professor, assistant dean and finally associate dean and chairperson of the McAuley School of Nursing. Pacini also earned a Master of Science degree in Nursing from Wayne State University in 1979 and a Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Michigan in 1997.

Pacini has vivid memories of her student years at U of D and Mercy College, particularly of Professor Herman Muller's lectures in Renaissance and Reformation History. She credits "so many" different faculty members with shaping her development as a student, a nurse and a faculty member.

"There were so many helpful people, and there still are. When I look at how collaborative faculty are in CHP, how they support each other, and work with junior faculty—it's a very caring and nurturing place," says Pacini.

Pacini has played a variety of roles outside of UDM. She has consulted and presented in the areas of educational redesign, clinical advancement and shared governance. Her recent publications address the utilization and application of conceptual models, most notably the Synergy Model, as frameworks for professional development, leadership development, educational redesign, and clinical transformation.

Pacini most recently served as the clinical director for Professional Development, Research and Innovation at the University of Pennsylvania Health System. In this capacity, she had system-level strategic and executive accountability for overseeing nursing professional development, education and research across a multi-facility healthcare system. Prior to that, she held similar positions at the University of Michigan Health System and at Clarian Health Partners, Inc. in Indianapolis.

Since her appointment in February 2010, Pacini has been chiefly occupied with assessment of the College. She looks forward to strengthening ties with alumni and finding creative ways for the College to grow.

"There will be themes that emerge from our assessment that will dictate our direction," Pacini explains. "Consistent with the larger University strategy, we are going to be creative in terms of new programs and enrollment growth. And because I am an alumna, I'm really interested in strengthening our relationships with alumni. We have some strong and wonderful relationships with them now, but I think we can grow.

"I want people to come here and feel like this is home."