Welcome Message from Dean Delaney

Dean Connie Delaney

I want to welcome you to the School of Nursing web site. We at the school have an ongoing commitment to increase the diversity of the faculty, staff and student body and to increase our cultural competence.

An attitude of respect for the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals from diverse populations is important here on campus, as well as in our work with patients. There is growing evidence that patients are more likely to accept information and plans of care when they are crafted in ways that are consistent with the patient's culture and world view. For this reason we are compelled to increase the number of nurses from diverse backgrounds to ensure that patients can benefit directly from their care, but also to be role models about what is and is not culturally appropriate.

Increasing the diversity of the faculty, staff and student body is a goal that I believe we can and will achieve in the foreseeable future. But becoming culturally competent is probably a life-long journey for each individual. We are trying to draw the road map toward that competence and are grateful for the guides who are helping us find our way. If you would like to be a part of this journey we would be happy to hear from you.