Interim Dean looking forward to continued growth and success
Dr. Pam Lindsey, associate professor and director of the School of Nursing at Millikin University, has been named the interim dean of the College of Professional Studies (CPS), effective Aug. 1, 2019. Dr. Lindsey succeeds Dr. Deborah Slayton, who served as dean of the College of Professional Studies from 2010 until her retirement on July 31, 2019.
Dr. Lindsey joined Millikin University in August 2010 when she was appointed as an assistant professor in the School of Nursing. In 2014, she was promoted to associate professor and was awarded tenure. She has served as the director of the School of Nursing since June 2014.
A registered nurse, scholar, practitioner and teacher with expertise in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Dr. Lindsey has received a variety fellowships and awards including: the Claire M. Fagin Fellowship (2007-2009), a highly competitive two-year fellowship which is awarded to select nursing educators by the Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity (BAGNC) program; the Illinois Board of Higher Education Nurse Faculty Fellowship (2010) and the American Academy of Colleges of Nursing Leadership for Academic Nursing Program (2014). She has published manuscripts in a variety of professional nursing journals and has presented extensively at local, regional, national and international professional conferences.
"Millikin University is doubly fortunate to have had a leader of the dedication and caliber of Deb Slayton followed by another talented and devoted leader for the College of Professional Studies in Pam Lindsey," said Millikin Provost Dr. Jeff Aper. "CPS faculty, students and staff all look forward to working with her to continue to advance the growth and success of the College, and she has already proven to be a wonderful addition to the regular meetings I have with the academic Deans."
Dr. Lindsey has over 23 years of higher education experience in both teaching and administration. Prior to coming to Millikin University, she served as a faculty member at Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing for 10 years. During that period, she served in an administrative role for seven years as the College of Nursing Undergraduate program director. Her pedagogical experience in nursing education has involved traditional undergraduates, accelerated second-degree students, graduate students and doctoral students. The majority of her teaching has focused in her clinical specialty area of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. She has extensive experience in mentoring faculty, curriculum development, program assessment and accreditation.
"It is an honor and privilege to serve as the interim dean of the College of Professional Studies," said Dr. Lindsey. "As director of the School of Nursing the past five years, I was fortunate to work under the tutelage of Dr. Deborah Slayton. She provided excellent leadership and countless contributions to the University and the College of Professional Studies. It is humbling to follow in her footsteps. I am blessed with a strong leadership team in CPS and look forward to the coming year with excitement and great anticipation of what we can accomplish to further the mission and vision of Millikin University."
Under her Dr. Lindsey's leadership as director the School of Nursing at Millikin, the School of Nursing launched its Doctor of Nursing Practice program, including the recent addition of the Family Nurse Practitioner option; accomplished two successful accreditation visits from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing; made the transition of the RN-BSN program to an online format; developed a dual admission option in partnership with Richland Community College and accomplished the ongoing facilitation of a collaborative partnership with the Decatur Memorial Hospital Nurse Anesthesia Program.
"I am blessed with a strong leadership team in CPS and look forward to the coming year with excitement and great anticipation of what we can accomplish to further the mission and vision of Millikin University."
Dr. Lindsey holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Illinois State University, a Diploma in Nursing from Mennonite School of Nursing, a Master of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Doctor of Nursing Science from Rush University.
A national search to permanently fill the position of Dean of the College of Professional Studies will launch in fall 2019.