Nursing dean finalist makes return visit to campus

Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP

The search for a new UNMC College of Nursing dean continues to move forward.

“We’ve had five outstanding first round candidates visit UNMC since January,” said Kyle Meyer, PhD, chair of the search committee. “The search committee thanks all of the individuals who met with the candidates and provided feedback to the committee.”

At the request of the search committee and in collaboration with the chancellor’s office, Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, is returning to UNMC for a follow-up visit. Dr. Sharp-McHenry is dean and professor of the College of Natural, Behavioral and Health Sciences at Simmons University in Boston.

Her return this week will include stops at UNMC nursing divisions in Kearney and Lincoln.

Dr. Sharp-McHenry previously served as dean of the Oklahoma Baptist University College of Nursing and assistant director of the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas.

Dr. Sharp-McHenry’s experience in higher education, nursing practice, regulation and community service has gained her recognition as a transformational leader. She currently serves on the Collegiate Nursing Education Board of Commissioners, the Professional Nurse & Standards Credentialing Committee of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools and has served in several roles for the Association of Colleges of Nursing.  

“This is an important search for both the College of Nursing and UNMC,” Dr. Meyer said, adding the search process will continue in earnest until a permanent dean is identified.