CHP Dean Christine Pacini

Dear Alumni and Friends of the College of Health Professions,

As you can see from all of the news that is reported within this issue of Healthy Times, much has been going on in the College of Health Professions.   The faculty, staff and students have collaborated to accomplish many outstanding things.  We are particularly proud of the exceptional pass rates for licensure and certification across all of our programs in undergraduate and graduate nursing, the nurse anesthesia program, and the physician assistant program.  Further evidence of program quality has been granted by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education by accrediting the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for the maximum time frame allowed for newly established programs.  Likewise, the Physician Assistant program was reaccredited for the maximum time frame.  Several of the faculty have received individual recognition and honors for excellence in scholarship, teaching, and service. 

In the spirit of continuously seeking opportunities for the future and ongoing growth within the College, a new program in Health Information Management was launched during the past year.  Faculty continue to enhance their courses and curricula by utilizing advances in technology and implementing creative teaching strategies.  Further development in online programming is being undertaken by several of the faculty as is the study of other potential areas for growth.  Congruent with the approval of the strategic plan at the University level, the faculty and staff have collaborated to revise the strategic plan for the College so that it reflects the foci of the University plan.  From that work have come some creative and energizing ideas for interprofessional development and enhanced community outreach.  We will be looking to collaborate with our alumni on several of these initiatives and hope that you will engage with us as we work to continuously improve the products and processes central to our unique mission.

As the seasons change every quarter, I am reminded that we all serve and work in environments of continuous change and fluctuation.  This can be challenging at times – as the data that drive all of our endeavors continue to come at a faster and faster pace.  However, I am always grateful for the “newness” that every season brings.  The same holds true for change.  New ideas and creativity are energizing and allow us to seek opportunities where perhaps we didn’t initially even see any prospects.  It is my hope, and that of everyone in the CHP, that as you experience the upcoming fall and winter seasons – that you are blessed with time to share with family and friends and that the change that accompanies each season is filled with opportunity and joy.

Regards,

Christine M. Pacini, Ph.D., R.N.
Dean, College of Health Professions