University of Florida’s Senior Vice President for Health Affairs and President of UF Health David Nelson announced that Debra Lyon, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN, will serve as interim dean of the UF College of Nursing, effective July 1, until a new permanent dean is selected.
Dr. Lyon will step into the position following Anna McDaniel, who will step down as the dean June 30. Dr. Lyon currently serves as the executive associate dean and the Kirbo Endowed Chair. She has been in these roles since she joined the college in 2014, assisting with the day-to-day management of the college and serving as a trusted resource to department chairs and assistant and associate deans. As chief operating officer, she served as a delegate to various committees of the university and academic health center. Dr. Lyon, who was inducted in the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Researcher Hall of Fame last year, is a prolific author, publishing over 150 articles throughout her career, with over 4,500 citations and an extensive history of NIH research funding to support her work.
As the search continues for the next dean, the College of Nursing is in a great position thanks to Anna McDaniel, who has served as the dean since July 2013. Under Dr. McDaniel’s leadership, the College of Nursing experienced tremendous growth, as well as national and international recognition. A new dean will be able to build upon the momentum gained Dr. McDaniel’s tenure.