Interim Dean Appointed for the College of Nursing

June 10, 2026
To: University Employees
From: Office of the Provost
Subject: Interim Dean Appointed for the College of Nursing
Date: Jun 10, 2026

On June 10, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Patricia Prelock sent a message to university leaders and employees in the College of Nursing announcing the new interim dean of the College of Nursing.

The beginning of the message is below and the full message is posted on the Office of the Provost website.

Dear colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Cindy J. Rishel has been appointed interim dean of the College of Nursing, effective June 10.

Dr. Rishel is a clinical professor in the College of Nursing and has more than 50 years of experience in nursing, healthcare and academic leadership. She earned her Ph.D. from the College of Nursing before joining the faculty in 2011. Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Rishel has held leadership roles in healthcare administration, operations, strategic planning, quality improvement and clinical education.

Her commitment to mentorship and leadership development in the College of Nursing makes Dr. Rishel well-suited for this role. Notably, she was instrumental in developing the college's Executive Health Systems Leadership Doctor of Nursing Practice program. As administrator of the program, she helps prepare the next generation of nursing leaders to improve clinical outcomes and advance clinical practice.

Read more about this organizational announcement on the Office of the Provost website.