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Dean Kathleen Winston

University of Phoenix College of Nursing begins leadership transition with retirement of Dean Kathleen Winston

By Sharla Hooper

Dean Winston elevated student experience and set course for College’s positive future

University of Phoenix announces the retirement of College of Nursing Dean Kathleen Winston, Ph.D., RN. Dean Winston’s retirement will take place January 31, 2022. The University celebrates the contributions of Dean Winston to the success and growth of the College of Nursing.

Winston joined the College of Nursing in 2018 and had overall accountability for curriculum and all other academic components including faculty approval and oversight, student satisfaction and retention, academic policy and standards, and program evaluation. Under her leadership, the College of Nursing launched advanced nursing programs and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, a professional doctorate that blends research with practice to prepare advanced practice nurse practitioners to improve patient outcomes and deliver high-quality care based in research evidence. During her tenure, Winston guided the College of Nursing through reaccreditation.

As a nursing education leader, Winston promoted principles and values that encourage students to become efficient and effective leaders in multiple and diverse health care settings.

“We have been so grateful for Kathy’s contributions,” states Doris Savron, vice provost of University of Phoenix. “Under her leadership and collaboration, our College of Nursing and our doctoral nursing programs saw new growth and success. She brought her personal and nursing capacity for compassion, healing, and leadership to the educational space and our students and faculty have benefited from the empowering environment she cultivated.”

The College of Nursing leadership transition is being overseen by Winston and includes the promotion of Raelene Brooks, Ph.D., RN, to take the position of Dean, and of Linnea Axman, DPH, FNP, and Kathleen Rupp, Ph.D., RN, to position of Associate Dean in January 2022. Future leadership announcements details will be forthcoming.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu