National health care education leader Anne Bavier appointed UT Arlington nursing dean

ARLINGTON, Texas, April 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The University of Texas at Arlington has named Anne Bavier, a nationally recognized health care leader who has held posts at top ranked universities and at the National Institutes of Health, as the new dean of the College of Nursing.

Bavier previously served as dean of the University of Connecticut School of Nursing in Storrs, Conn. and also served as dean of the nursing at Saint Xavier University in Chicago. She is president-elect of the National League for Nursing, which includes more than 39,000 members.

"The UT Arlington College of Nursing is one of the most vibrant nursing programs in the country and one known for its tradition of excellence and ability to help fill critical needs in the health care field," UT Arlington President Vistasp Karbhari said. "Dr. Bavier will lead us into a new era of national recognition and influence as we work together to improve health and the human condition across Texas and around the world."

Bavier joins the University on Aug. 1, 2014.

As dean of the UT Arlington College of Nursing, Bavier will lead one of the nation's largest and most successful nursing programs with a current enrollment of nearly 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students on campus and in online programs. More than 90 percent of UT Arlington nursing graduates pass their initial state licensure exam on their first attempt. The College boasts a 94-percent graduation rate.

College of Nursing faculty members are national leaders in the areas of simulation in nursing education and emerging inter-professional learning models. The College has been a leader in addressing the state's expected nursing shortage through its expanded online degree programs.

Bavier will oversee the merger of the UT Arlington's Department of Kinesiology into the College of Nursing during the 2014-2015 academic year. The combined college will include nearly 350 faculty members.

"It is an exciting undertaking to build on the remarkable achievements UT Arlington has made in nursing and kinesiology to create a bold future for a University destined to become a nationally recognized research institution," Bavier said. "The College is poised to advance the agenda rapidly, while maintaining the highest standards of rigor in scientific research and educational offerings."

Jennifer Gray, an associate dean of nursing who served as interim dean, said that Bavier's proven leadership will make her an asset for the entire University.

"Dr. Bavier has an incredible commitment to improving public health by supporting and enhancing outstanding educational programs," Gray said. "The merger of the College of Nursing and the Department of Kinesiology will bring amazing opportunities for collaboration and growth, and she is the right leader to help us take full advantage of what lies ahead."

Bavier earned her undergraduate degree in nursing from Duke University and a Master of Nursing from Emory University, where she specialized in oncology. She holds a doctoral degree from Duquesne University.

While dean of the School of Nursing in Connecticut, Bavier secured $14 million for capital projects, improved opportunities for clinical faculty and launched new programs, including a full-semester study abroad program for nurses. The University of Connecticut and Saint Xavier University, where she served as dean from 2004 to 2007, have been named National League for Nursing Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education. That honor has gone to only 17 other universities nationwide.

"Dr. Bavier has a history of supporting faculty to achieve their best in the classroom and in their research fields," said Ronald Elsenbaumer, UT Arlington provost and vice president for academic affairs. "Her list of accomplishments and her role on the national stage bring a level of prestige to the UT Arlington College of Nursing that will help it reach new heights."

In addition to her experience in higher education, Bavier worked as a program director in the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute and as deputy director of the Office of Research on Women's Health in the National Institutes of Health. She has authored or co-authored 40 publications, primarily focused on nursing education and professional development and oncology nursing.

"Dr. Bavier is a talented academic leader with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in research, teaching and service," said Mun Y. Choi, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at University of Connecticut. "I'm confident that Dr. Bavier will be able to rapidly advance the College of Nursing at The University of Texas at Arlington through strong, strategic initiatives and engagement in scholarly research and support the innovative vision established by President Karbhari."

Bavier has received numerous awards and honors. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the Institute of Medicine of Chicago and was the first recipient of the Edith Moore Copeland Award for Excellence in Creativity from Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She also is the recipient of a Director's Award from the National Institutes of Health, the agency's highest award, for exceptional leadership in creating the Research Enhancement Awards Program.

Kirk King, president of Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, and Lori Donovan, the hospital's chief nursing officer, both played integral roles during the university's national search for the new dean of nursing. King said they were impressed by Bavier's "strategic vision for the university and her commitment to expanding its influence in the community."

"She has a proven track record of engaging her stakeholders and building collaborative relationships that lead to establishing a nationally recognized academic program," King said. "We are excited about the many new possibilities Anne will bring to both the academic and healthcare community."  

About UT Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive research institution and the second largest institution in The University of Texas System. The Chronicle of Higher Education ranked UT Arlington as the seventh fastest-growing public research university in 2013. U.S. News & World Report ranks UT Arlington fifth in the nation for undergraduate diversity. Visit www.uta.edu to learn more.

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SOURCE The University of Texas at Arlington