Since I took over the reins as interim dean of the College of Nursing on July 1, I have learned more than I thought possible. For the previous 10 years, I served as the college’s executive associate dean and Kirbo Endowed Chair, which means I was involved in the inner workings and day-to-day operations of the college. But I have learned there is more to Gator Nursing than meets the eye. I have learned that our alumni are fiercely loyal to their alma mater and hold no reservations for the pride they have in their degree. I have learned that our faculty genuinely want the best for our students, and stand beside them through thick and thin. And I have been reminded that I, too, am committed to upholding the excellence that pervades our great college.

For the past 10 years, I worked side by side with Anna McDaniel, the college’s fifth dean and Linda Harman Aiken Chair. In June, we celebrated her many achievements and thanked her for her 10 years of service to the college during a very special farewell celebration. We all owe Dr. McDaniel a debt of gratitude for her unerring leadership and the well-prepared position the college is in to welcome the next dean.

It has been an absolute honor to participate in the process of selecting the college’s sixth dean. Over the past months, we interviewed a number of highly qualified candidates. It was difficult to narrow our selection to four finalists. I was impressed — but not surprised — by the caliber the College of Nursing attracted.

In October, we announced the college’s sixth dean.

Dr. Shakira Henderson of the University of North Carolina –Chapel Hill will join the Gator Nursing family on Jan. 29 to lead our college to the next level of greatness. The spring issue of The Gator Nurse will be dedicated to introducing our alumni and friends to Dr. Henderson and sharing her vision for our beloved college, but please see page 15 to learn more now about Dr. Henderson.

One thing is for sure: Dean Henderson will be surrounded by supportive colleagues, alumni and donors. The cover story for this issue is dedicated to our clinical faculty, who exhibit excellence across our missions, but most especially across our teaching and clinical missions. They never cease to amaze me with their innovative spirit and passion for others. Several of our administrative and tenured faculty were also recognized this fall. Take a look at pages 12 and 13 to learn more about the impressive awards our college brought home over the last few months.

Although I have attended the college’s Donor Recognition Event and Reunion tailgate in the past,

it was my first time serving as host and emcee for the events. At the Donor Recognition Event, I was almost brought to tears sharing and listening to the stories of perseverance, gratitude and support. I challenge you to read the stories of our awardees and students on page 18 without feeling moved.

I know you join me in being moved to do more and reach higher every day. That is why you are Gator Nurses. We take our commitment to Care, Lead and Inspire to heart. Thank you for joining me on this journey.

Go Gator Nurses!

Debra Lyon, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN

Interim Dean
Executive Associate Dean
Kirbo Endowed Chair