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Dean of the School of Nursing
SEARCH UPDATE from Provost Ralph Kuncl

MAY 6, 2008: Several weeks ago, the finalist candidates visited our campus for confidential interviews and sessions with small groups from every constituency of the School. At the conclusion of those visits, the search committee met to review all of the confidential comments received by those who met with the candidates, and to review the extensive reference and background checks. The committee determined a final slate that was delivered to Medical Center CEO, Dr. Bradford Berk and President Joel Seligman, in whose hands the decision now rests. We will notify you as soon as possible once we are at liberty to make a public announcement about our future dean.

MARCH 5, 2008: We have promised to keep you updated on the progress of the search for our next Dean of the School of Nursing. Very recently, the first-round candidates came to Rochester for initial interviews with the search committee. The committee has selected several very enthusiastic and highly qualified finalist candidates. They will visit our campus in the near future for confidential interviews with small groups from every constituency of the School. We will continue to keep you updated as those visits are coordinated. The Search Committee remains optimistic that we will conclude the search by the end of the spring and select an excellent new Dean who will move the School forward in exciting ways.

FEBRUARY 14, 2008: The Search Committee has been engaged in systematic efforts to develop the most extensive, diverse, and highly qualified applicant pool possible. In addition to advertisements and networking at professional meetings, members of the search committee have personally connected with many leaders at the top 30 schools of nursing across the country for their assistance in identifying persons of interest. We have reached out by telephone, email, and in person and have identified over 45 potential candidates nationwide. The quality of applicants is first rate, and the Committee has culled from this list a group of semifinalist candidates who are highly qualified and motivated and who offer skills and experiences that match the needs of the UR School of Nursing. First-round, off-site interviews will soon occur. The committee’s goal continues to be to identify finalists for on-campus visits by the early spring, so that our next Dean can be appointed in time to begin July 1st.

Highlights of December 19th forum with SON staff

Provost Kuncl provided an update on the search process and offered the following tentative timeline:

January/February Candidate interviews
March Campus visits (meet with all SON constituents if confidentiality is not as issue for the candidate)
April Negotiate contract terms with finalist; personal arrangements (such as housing)
July (flexible) Settle in before students arrive

Provost Kuncl opened the floor to staff to offer their perspective on the characteristics they hope their next dean will possess:

  • Understands assets vs. challenges of the SON
  • Is inclusive and communicates openly with staff; inspires confidence
  • Appreciates the legacy already in place and what works well
  • Is fiscally responsible
  • Is open-minded to technology-based learning as a tool to advance education
  • Supports Unification Model; supports the accelerated baccalaureate and Ph.D. programs
  • Is open and supportive of program directors’ new and creative ideas
  • Is approachable and non-hierarchal
  • Has a sense of humor and is passionate; appreciates the family of SON
  • Is not overly-focused in one area (e.g. research); needs to be clinically oriented and experienced in the classroom

Highlights of the December 10th forum with SON undergraduate and master’s students

Provost Kuncl discussed the role of the dean and provided students with an update on the search process.

As of today, the search committee has received the names of nearly fifty persons of interest who would be highly qualified candidates. We are in the process of making personal telephone calls to those and others in order to obtain their credentials and to get a sense of their interest in becoming a candidate. The student representative on the search committee is Sally Ellis Fletcher. It is our hope that on-campus interviews will be scheduled and students will have the opportunity to interview each finalist candidate if confidentiality is not an issue. President Seligman and Dr. Bradford Berk (Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and CEO for the Medical Center and Strong Health) will select the new dean from the list of finalists recommended by the search committee.

Undergraduate and master’s students offered the following as characteristics they would like their next dean to possess:

  • A willingness to interact with students and work towards solving issues together (designated weekly office hour, lunches)
  • Ability to maintain the prestige and quality of faculty and students
  • Experience in health care, research, teaching, clinical practice, and community outreach

Highlights of the December 12th forum with SON doctoral students

Doctoral students offered the following as characteristics they would like their next dean to possess:

  • Supports current interdisciplinary program
  • Strong marketing skills
  • Bridge builder between SON and
    • Medical Center – relationship needs maintenance
    • River Campus
    • Local community schools (mentoring, recruitment)
    • Syracuse and Cornell exchange scholarship programs
  • Vision for expanding international programs
  • Experience dealing with an accelerated nursing program

One student commented that the search was “too quiet.” Provost Kuncl encouraged them to check out the search website (link is available on the SON homepage) and to communicate with the search committee via their email address: sondeansearch@urmc.rochester.edu.

The Next Dean of the School of Nursing

(Merged from a School of Nursing survey and a qualities list gathered at the October 22nd faculty meeting with Provost Kuncl.)

Characteristics

  • Wisdom, compassion, integrity, and emotional intelligence
  • Passion for academic excellence
  • Deep understanding of contemporary issues facing nursing education, practice, and research
  • Openness to innovation and able to enact change on a practical level
  • Investment in improving the health of the local and global community
  • A vision of the future of nursing and the School, rooted in our unique strengths and challenges
  • Ability to bring diverse constituencies together for a common goal
  • Outstanding skill in communication and collaboration with communities of interest, including students, faculty,
    • University colleagues, alumni, and benefactors
  • Steadfast and articulate advocate for the School

Desired Background

  • Earned doctorate in nursing or related field
  • Track record of scholarship commensurate with full professor
  • A nationally respected leader with breadth of experience in nursing practice, education, and research

Last modified: Wednesday, 07-May-2008 16:17:35 EDT