Dr. Marcia Maurer, dean of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing since 2003, has retired effective July 15, after leading the School to preeminence during the last decade.
“Dean Maurer’s passion, energy, and demand for excellence positioned the School as a leader in nursing locally, regionally and statewide,” said Ann Boyle, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “She has been a highly respected campus leader during an era of immense growth at SIUE. She definitely will be missed.”
Maurer holds a doctorate in higher education administration along with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing. She came to SIUE from Loyola (Ill.) University where she served as associate dean of nursing and graduate program director. With her 20 years of experience in higher education, national recognition for her expertise in perinatal medicine and a reputation for commitment to excellence, she joined SIUE with the goal of moving the School to higher levels of achievement and recognition.
As dean of the School of Nursing, Maurer’s vision and leadership set the trajectory for the School’s expansion and growth during the last 10 years. She partnered with many clinical agencies in the region to position the School as a leader in clinical nursing, shaping the quality of nursing practice in both Southern Illinois and metropolitan St. Louis. In 2004, the University was honored when Maurer was selected for a Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellowship.
With her focus on growing the School’s reputation on all fronts, the number of doctorally prepared faculty in the School increased by 45 percent. Also under Maurer’s leadership, undergraduate and graduate enrollment in the School more than doubled to more than 850 students.
Several new programs were added, including the accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program which began in 2006; the traditional bachelor of science in nursing program which was extended to the regional campus in Carbondale in 2010; and the addition of the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program which began in fall 2011.
These new programs continue to remain highly competitive, selecting students with the highest qualifications as they fuel enrollment growth. Under Maurer’s leadership the School’s undergraduate and graduate programs, including the program in nurse anesthesia, have maintained full and complete accreditation status.
During the last semester, Maurer has worked on a special project for the provost. She completed substantial research and produced a comprehensive report on the concept of building a senior living community in SIUE’s University Park. The facility would feature a unique Health and Wellness Center staffed by SIUE faculty and students in health care and related disciplines.
During the last semester, Dr. Anne Perry served as interim dean and she will continue in that role this year. A search for a permanent Dean for the School of Nursing is anticipated to begin in 2014.
Photo: Retired SIUE School of Nursing Dean Marcia Maurer.