ADU Names Dr. Alicia Franco Scarcella as New Chair of the Department of Nursing

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) has announced Alicia Franco Scarcella, PhD, as the new Chair of the Nursing Department. She will be responsible for growing the department and for facilitating excellence among faculty and students.

"We are confident that Dr. Franco Scarcella's academic credentials and experience will be an asset to ADU and our nursing students. The school is gaining a true leader," said David Greenlaw, D.Min., President of ADU.

Dr. Franco Scarcella brings over 40 years of nursing experience and 30 years in nursing education, most recently she served as the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Antillean Adventist University and the Curriculum Coordinator in Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health Family Medicine Residency program at Bella Vista Hospital. 

"I feel honored to be given the opportunity to enhance the nursing program at ADU and to help develop future nurses who will have the clinical and spiritual skills needed to care for patients as a whole person," stated Dr. Franco Scarcella.

She earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy with a specialization in Clinical Philosophy from the Catholic University of Puerto Rico.  She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing from the Catholic University of Puerto Rico, an additional Master's Degree in Nursing from Cordoba National University, and graduated with a Bachelor's in Registered Nursing from Rosario National University in 1973.

"She brings a fresh perspective to the University and the nursing program and we are excited to see the direction she will take us in with her spearheading the future of the program," stated Edwin Hernandez, PhD, Provost of ADU.

About ADU – Adventist University of Health Sciences (ADU) is a Seventh-day Adventist institution that specializes in healthcare education. ADU offers undergraduate and graduate programs including: Biomedical Sciences, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Sciences, Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Nursing (BSN), Nurse Anesthesia, Occupational Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant. The University is associated with Florida Hospital and the Adventist Health System.

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SOURCE Adventist University of Health Sciences