Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Ann Boyle has named Dr. Anne G. Perry as interim dean of the School of Nursing. Perry, RN, EdD, FAAN, is a professor of nursing and the School’s former associate dean for academic programs.
Perry earned a bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Michigan, a master’s in nursing from Saint Louis University, and a doctorate in education from SIUE. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. She joined the SIUE faculty in 2004 while serving in both teaching and administrative roles. Prior to SIUE, Perry held academic appointments at SLU.
“I am honored and pleased to be appointed interim dean,” said Perry. “During the past 10 years under Dean Maurer’s guidance, the School made significant strides in advancing our mission.
“During my tenure as interim dean, we will continue to advance excellence in education as we move forward with preparing new programs, such as the post baccalaureate doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and an accelerated registered nurse to baccalaureate (RN-BSN).
“We will continue to collaborate with our clinical partners as this shapes the practice of nursing in the southern Illinois region. An emphasis on faculty scholarship will remain, so that students receive the best academic preparation.”
Perry is the author and co-author of textbooks and references in nursing fundamentals and clinical skills. “Basic Nursing,” “Fundamentals of Nursing,” “Clinical Nursing Skills and Techniques,” and “Nursing Intervention and Clinical Skills” are required reading in nursing schools in 13 countries and are translated into 10 languages.
As a clinician and researcher, Perry’s contributions to pulmonary nursing and nursing language development involve both research and policy-making. She has investigated and published findings regarding topics that include weaning from mechanical ventilation, uses of the therapeutic intervention scoring system, selected critical care topics and validating nursing diagnoses.
Dr. Laura Bernaix, professor and chair of primary care and health systems nursing in the School, assumes the role of interim associate dean for academic programs. Bernaix earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from SIUE and the University of Evansville, respectively. She achieved a doctorate from Saint Louis University.
More than 90 percent of Bernaix’s 26-year teaching career has been at SIUE. Most recently, Bernaix has five years of experience as chair of the largest department in the School.
“In Dr. Bernaix’s role as chair, she created an environment for faculty to succeed and achieve tenure,” said Perry. “She facilitated teaching assignments to support faculty during their doctoral course work. She also worked with faculty to be successful in didactic and clinical teaching.
“She expects excellence in her own endeavors. However, most important is her willingness and tireless efforts to assist young faculty to succeed.”
Bernaix has multiple peer-reviewed publications and serves as an editorial advisory board member to the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing. She also is a member of the Research Advisory Panel for the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrical, and Neonatal Nursing (WHONN).
Photo: SIUE School of Nursing Interim Dean Ann Perry.