It is with immense — but bittersweet — pride that I share my intention to step down as dean of the College of Nursing on June 30, 2023. That date will mark the completion of my 10th year as dean. Serving the students, faculty, administration and citizens of the state of Florida has been my proudest achievement. As I look back over the last nine-and-a-half years of my deanship, the last two years are what stick out in my mind as the most memorable and transformative. Yes, we did have a global pandemic that disrupted and upturned our daily lives. Pandemic notwithstanding, our college has excelled in unimaginable ways. If you take a look at past issues of The Gator Nurse, we have achieved so much at the college.

Throughout the next few months, I look forward to seeing many of you and celebrating our many achievements together. More details will be shared about transition plans for the college and opportunities for alumni and friends to be involved in welcoming a new dean.

In this issue, we are honored to look back over the college’s success and share the momentous fundraising achievements throughout the Go Greater Capital Campaign.

Our Gator Nursing alumni and friends generously support their passions and some of the most critical areas of our college. Supporting our students remains a top priority for Gator Nurses, many of whom earned nursing degrees thanks to the scholarships they themselves received as students. The Thomas M. and Irene B. Kirbo Innovation and Learning Lab continues to be a bright spot for our students, faculty and alumni ever since its 2021 opening. But just because the construction is complete does not mean our work is
done. The need for lab support continues in order to ensure we stay ahead of the newest technologies and pedagogical advances.

Another important area for our college that requires additional support is our nurse-led rural practice, UF Health Archer Family Health Care. Extensive building repairs, medical equipment and provider salaries are just a few of the ways philanthropy has helped our college maintain AFHC. We are so grateful for the individuals and organizations who see its potential and the difference our small practice is making for Archer residents and surrounding communities.

Philanthropy is a huge part of our college’s success. Without it, we would not have been able to achieve all the many awards and milestones for which we are also proud. It goes without saying that our university and college rankings continue to impress. Our DNP and BSN programs remain No. 1 in the state and top-ranked among national public institutions. Our college has also been recognized by prestigious national and international organizations as leaders in teaching, research and clinical service. This is evident through last year’s National League for Nursing Center of Excellence designation; the induction into the Sigma Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame this summer for Debra Lyon, executive associate dean and Kirbo Endowed Chair; and the 2022 New Era for Academic Nursing Award from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

It truly is great to be a Florida Gator Nurse, now more than ever. Thank you all for your support. Each gift — no matter the size — enables Gator Nursing to remain on the forefront of nursing education, research discovery and the delivery of personalized care. It has been an honor to Care, Lead and Inspire with all of you.

Anna M. McDaniel
Dean and the Linda Harman Aiken Chair