KNOXVILLE — Joan Creasia, dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will retire at the end of the academic year.
Creasia began serving as the college’s third dean on Oct. 1, 1995. Of all current deans on the UT Knoxville campus, she is the longest-serving.
“Joan has provided strong leadership for the college through many challenges as well as significant changes in the health care industry,” said Susan Martin, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “As the faculty and the curriculum have adapted, her commitment to delivering the highest level of nursing instruction has never faltered. Throughout her 14-year tenure, she has been among the most highly regarded and highly rated administrators by faculty members.”
The UT Knoxville College of Nursing has maintained its leadership role among the state’s nursing programs and its graduates are some of the most sought professionals in the industry.
“My 14 years at the University of Tennessee has been the most satisfying experience of my professional career,” Creasia said. “The faculty, staff and students in the college are outstanding and the programs have an excellent reputation. When I encounter our graduates in practice and see how competent they are, I am so proud to have been a part of their educational experience.”
Creasia has led the college’s effort to address the high demand of the nursing program by bringing the RN-BSN degree and some doctoral courses online. Throughout her tenure, the college’s partnerships with area health care organizations have increased, and community and global outreach efforts have strengthened. Creasia, however, shares credit with members of her college.
“No one person can take credit for the accomplishments of an entire organization,” she said. “Our significant achievements are the result of a team effort among the faculty, staff and students. Among my points of pride are the excellent educational programs, the cutting-edge research and the clinics and outreach efforts that provide service to the community.”
Recruitment of a new dean is planned to coincide with Creasia’s retirement. Jim Thompson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, will chair the search. Committee members are Susan Speraw, Marian Roman, Gary Ramsey, Mark Priestley, Peggy Pierce, Carole Myers, Mary Gunther, Nan Gaylord and Lora Beebe, all of the College of Nursing, as well as Rita Geier, associate to the chancellor.
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C O N T A C T :
Kristi Hintz, (865-974-3993, khintz@utk.edu)