Earlier this month, Dr. Greta Cummings informed me that she will not be seeking reappointment as Dean of the Faculty of Nursing following seven years of committed service, five as Dean of Nursing and two as the founding Dean of the College of Health Sciences.
A nationally and internationally recognized researcher in nursing leadership, Dr. Cummings is a familiar face around the university. She joined the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta 19 years ago, becoming a full professor in 2010. She once held a Centennial Professorship (2013–2020), one of the university’s highest honours. Under Dr. Cummings’ leadership, the Faculty of Nursing saw a significant rise in rankings, most recently being recognized as the top rated nursing program in Canada, and among the top five globally, which speaks to her exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment to excellence in nursing education and research. Following the establishment of the college model in 2021, Dr. Cummings served as Interim College Dean of the College of Health Sciences for two years. Thank you to acting dean Diane Kunyk for stepping into the role and her hard work leading the faculty while Dr. Cummings supported standing up the colleges.
A U of A alumna herself, having received her Masters of Education (Admin) from the Faculty of Education and PhD from the Faculty of Nursing, Dr. Cummings has always appreciated not only the academic rigours of the program, but also its focus on faculty and student well-being and impactful research in the health sector.
Dr. Cummings will continue as dean through July 2024 at which time she will take an administrative leave. A search and selection process to find Dr. Cummings' successor will begin in fall 2023.
Please join me in thanking Dr. Cummings for the outstanding service and expertise she has brought to the Faculty of Nursing as Dean.
Verna Yiu
Interim Provost and Vice-President (Academic)
Brenda Hemmelgarn
College Dean and Vice-Provost, College of Health Sciences