Appointment of Dr. Joanne Robinson as Acting Dean of the Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden (June 28, 2011)

I am pleased to report that Dr. Joanne Robinson has agreed to serve as acting dean of the School of Nursing–Camden effective July 1.

In this capacity, Joanne will work with her nursing faculty colleagues, along with the administration of both the campus and the university, to develop and grow the academic programs that will define the School of Nursing.  She will lead the growth of our newest school while Rutgers engages in a national search for an inaugural dean.

A noted scholar on nursing care for the elderly, Joanne recently was named as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed in that field.  In 2008, her research commanded the Urologic Nursing Catherine-Ann Lawrence Literary Excellence Award.

As chair of the Department of Nursing, Joanne transitioned our program from an upper-division major to a comprehensive, four-year undergraduate program more closely aligned with the expectations of students and employers alike.  The nursing department has expanded greatly its professional education efforts, including a, RN-to-BSN program that enjoys strong demand.

Joanne received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from William Paterson College and her master’s degree in community health nursing from Rutgers–Newark.  She then attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her master’s degree in social gerontology and her doctoral degree in nursing.

The launching of a new school is a significant undertaking, and will require support and assistance from academic units and administrative office across our campus.  Please join me in offering Joanne Robinson our congratulations and our full support in this important endeavor.

We will launch the dean search early this fall.  I will be certain to share details of the search as they arise.

Wendell Pritchett

Chancellor