Summer 2024 | Dean’s Message
Dean Shakira Henderson shares a summer message.
Dear Gator Nurses,

I am delighted to address you in my second message as your dean of the UF College of Nursing. It has been a whirlwind since I joined this esteemed institution in January, and I am truly grateful for the warm welcome and support I have received from each of you. The passion and dedication I have witnessed in our community have reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of nursing education, research and practice. Although my friends at the University of Miami will be horrified to hear, the Gator Chomp has become second nature to me!
As we move forward, I am excited to share that we are finalizing our strategic plan this summer, which will guide our efforts over the next five years. This plan represents a collective vision to strengthen our programs, enhance student success, foster groundbreaking research, and deepen our impact on health care delivery through our clinical partnership with UF Health. Our faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends – like you – have impressed me with a generous outpouring of support for each of our goals. I am confident that with your continued commitment and expertise, we will achieve remarkable advancements in nursing and health care innovation. I look forward to the upcoming day when we will share our strategic goals and priorities with each of you.
Until then, I hope you enjoy reading more about our incredible Gator Nursing community throughout this issue of The Gator Nurse. I remain inspired by the strength and capabilities coursing through our college, as I hope you will be as you read about the Gator Nursing family legacies in our cover feature, the many faculty achievements, as well as the exciting new services offered at our nurse-managed clinic UF Health Archer Family Health Care.
I look forward to working closely with each of you as we embark on this journey together. Please reach out! I would love to see a packed house at our alumni reunion Sept. 14 and our Gator Nurse Gatherings held across the state and country. I truly appreciate your input, your company, and your support. As we move forward, your insights, creativity, and dedication are invaluable as we shape the future of nursing. Together, we will uphold our tradition of excellence and make significant contributions to our community and beyond. Together, we will care, lead, and inspire BOLDLY!
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to the College of Nursing. I am honored to serve as your dean and UF Health system chief nurse executive and am excited about the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.
Gator Nurses Go Greater!
With heartfelt gratitude and anticipation,
Shakira Henderson, PhD, DNP, MS, MPH, EMBA, IBCLC, RNC-NIC
Dean, UF College of Nursing
System Chief Nurse Executive, UF Health