UF Interim President Kent Fuchs has appointed Dr. Ann Horgas, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, Interim Executive Associate Dean of the College of Nursing, to the board of directors for Oak Hammock at the University of Florida.
Oak Hammock is a life-plan community affiliated with UF. Residents maintain independent, active lifestyles and can transition to services like rehabilitation, skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care as needed, all integrated within the Oak Hammock Health Pavilion.
Horgas, who chairs the college’s Biobehavioral Nursing Science Department, is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the Gerontological Society of America. Her research focuses on pain and aging, and other elder care issues.
“We are thrilled to have her on board,” said Judith Russell, chairwoman of the Oak Hammock board and Dean of University Libraries at UF. “Ann’s credentials are perfectly aligned with the needs of this position. Her extensive experience will be invaluable in planning treatment spaces and programs for our residents.”
Since 2004, the Oak Hammock has grown to nearly 1,000 residents and staff with support from the Colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Health and Human Performance, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine. Approximately 40% of the residents have ties to UF, including former administrators and a past UF president.
“I am honored to serve on the board of Oak Hammock, an organization that champions academic research and creates diverse wellness opportunities to enhance retirement living,” Horgas said.
Horgas succeeds former Dean of Nursing Anna McDaniel, who stepped down as dean in 2023. Russell anticipates collaborating with Horgas to develop opportunities for nursing students and research, as residents of Oak Hammock frequently volunteer for UF research initiatives and clinical trials.