Leigh Small, PhD, RN, PNP-PC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN

Dean and Professor (2022–present; Interim Dean 2021–2022)

Tenth dean of the College. Nearly 30 years as a pediatric nurse practitioner. Research in parenting, child development, motivational interviewing, and family health.

Randolph Rasch, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN

Dean and Professor (2015–2021)

Ninth dean. Fellow in AANP and NAP. Research in primary care and community health; roles, functions, and optimal skill mix across nursing levels.

Mary H. Mundt, PhD, RN, FAAN

Dean and Professor (2006–2015)

Expanded academic programs, launched DNP, led 2012 CCNE reaccreditation, and secured a $7.45M NIH grant for the Bott Building; advanced NIH funding rank to 12th nationally.

Marilyn L. Rothert, PhD, RN, FAAN

Dean and Professor (1993–2006)

Oversaw enrollment growth; launched PhD & postdoctoral programs; established clinical track faculty and faculty practice plan; initiated Life Sciences Building expansion.

Kathleen G. Bond, EdD, RN

Dean and Professor (1991–1993)

Led strategic planning; expanded off-campus degree programs; increased undergraduate enrollment.

Gwen R. Andrew, PhD

Acting Dean and Professor (1989–1991)

Reorganized college structure; consolidated UG/Grad programs; established Nursing Research Center; formalized clinical preceptor role.

Gladys Courtney, PhD, RN

Dean and Professor (1981–1989)

Integrated the College across University committees; expanded outreach; grew doctorally prepared faculty; advanced funded research programs.

Isabelle K. Payne, EdD, RN

Director and Professor (1971–1980); Dean and Professor (1980–1981)

First dean of the College. Oversaw move to Life Sciences Building; launched Multimedia Learning Laboratory; secured W.K. Kellogg Foundation support for graduate & faculty development.

Gwendoline R. MacDonald, PhD, RN

Director and Professor (1965–1971)

Raised educational standards; grew undergraduate enrollment and faculty; set groundwork for next-decade advances.

Florence C. Kempf, MA, RN

Director and Professor (1950–1964)

Founding director. Built curriculum, clinical partnerships, student aid, and recruitment for students and faculty.

American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)

• Nancy Artinian, PhD, RN, FAHA, FPCNA, FAAN — Senior Consultant
• Susan Weber Buchholz, PhD, RN, FAANP, FAAN — Associate Dean for Research; Director, PhD Program; Professor
• Barbara Given, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAPOS — Associate Dean Emerita; Senior Advisor to Dean; University Distinguished Professor
• Rebecca Lehto, PhD, RN, FAAN — Associate Professor
• Jiying Ling, PhD, RN, FAAN — MSU Foundation Research Professor; Professor
• Mary Mundt, PhD, RN, FAAN — Dean Emerita
• Kathleen Poindexter, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF — Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Associate Professor
• Lorraine Robbins, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAAN — Professor
• Marilyn Rothert, PhD, RN, FAAN — Dean Emerita
• Leigh Small, PhD, RN, PNP-PC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN — Dean and Professor
• Courtney Sullivan, PhD, RN, CPNP-AC, CPHON — Assistant Professor
• Gwen Wyatt, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAPOS — Professor Emerita

American Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists (FAANA)

• Gayle Lourens, DNP, MS, CRNA, FNAP, FAANA — Assistant Professor; Nurse Anesthesia Program Director

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP)

• Susan Weber Buchholz, PhD, RN, FAANP, FAAN — Associate Dean for Research; Director, PhD Program; Professor
• Kathy Dontje, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP — Professor
• Denise Soltow Hershey, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP — Associate Professor
• Annie Kao, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP — Associate Professor
• Linda Keilman, DNP, GNP-BC, DEGN, FNAP, FAANP — Assistant Professor
• Randolph Rasch, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN — Dean (2015–2021) and Professor
• Ann Sheehan, DNP, RN, CPNP, FAANP — Assistant Professor
• Mary Smania, DNP, FNP-BC, AGN-BC, FAANP — Assistant Professor, Health Programs
• Leigh Small, PhD, RN, PNP-PC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN — Dean and Professor

Academy of Nursing Education (ANEF)

• Kathleen Poindexter, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF — Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Associate Professor
• Teresa Wehrwein, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF — Associate Dean Emerita; Associate Professor Emerita

American Psychosocial Oncology Society (FAPOS)

• Barbara Given, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAPOS — Associate Dean Emerita; University Distinguished Professor
• Charles W. Given, PhD — Professor Emeritus
• Rebecca Lehto, PhD, RN, FAPOS, OCN — Associate Professor
• Gwen Wyatt, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAPOS — Professor Emerita

National Academies of Practice (FNAP)

• Leigh Small, PhD, RN, PNP-PC, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN — Dean and Professor
• Randolph Rasch, PhD, RN, FNP, FNAP, FAANP, FAAN — Dean (2015–2021) and Professor
• Linda Keilman, DNP, GNP-BC, DEGN, FNAP, FAANP — Assistant Professor
• Gayle Lourens, DNP, MS, CRNA, FNAP, FAANA — Assistant Professor; Nurse Anesthesia Program Director

Society of Simulation in Healthcare (FSSH)

• Mary Kay Smith, PhD, RN, CHSE, FSSH — Assistant Professor; Executive Director, Learning and Assessment Center