School of Nursing Welcomes New Dean

 

The School of Nursing gathered last Monday in Lee Hall auditorium to welcome their new dean, Henry Talley, Ph.D. During his first week, he spoke to different nursing classes and spent most of his week getting to know the faculty and staff. Not wasting any time, Talley wanted to address each nursing student and hear their concerns.

Before welcoming Talley to the lectern, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Rodner Wright, spoke on the strenuous process in the search of a new dean. He stated that the search was underway for about five years. After careful consideration, Wright was proud to have such an outstanding candidate chosen as the new dean of the School of Nursing. “I can’t express how happy I am to have completed this process this time around and have such an outstanding candidate and now dean of the School of Nursing,” said Wright.

Talley stated he believed the search committee was looking for someone who could support the School of Nursing moving forward. “I know that I have a certain skill set that I’ve learned over the years to make that happen,” said Talley.

Talley is a graduate from the Harlem Hospital Center Schools of Nursing and Anesthesia in 1979. He is a retired Lt. colonel in the United States Army Reserve Nurse Corps and is a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetist. As a respected member in not only the nursing field but the community as well, Talley stated he is honored to serve as the new dean.

“I’m looking forward to having a good time with the students… this thing called, education can be fun… I do believe in an active campus life, it’s not just about working,” said Talley.  

Many students welcomed Dean Talley with opened arms in hopes that he can and will bring some change to the nursing program. Nursing student, Zhane Asare-kokou, said she is ready for the change and hopes to get more funding for updated technology, such as simulations.“I would like to have more simulation hours and to have a better relationship within our peers for each semester,” said Asare-kokou.

Other students were able to ask direct questions about Talley and his future plans. Talley said he does not want to change anything that is not broken, however help improve student assessment scores. He expressed numerous times he wanted students, like Javier Domingo, a graduating nursing student, to be as prepared as possible to take the exit exam and the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

“NCLEX is one of the toughest exams to get our diploma, I would want more programs implemented to help us get ready,” said Domingo.

Quimarar Roamain states that based on convocation she can tell Talley will be a great asset to the program. As Romain prepares to take the NCLEX and her exit exam, her biggest concern is ensuring that Talley can contribute to increasing student’s passing rate. “I would like our program to be successful and for [students to get] higher passing rates,” said Romain.

Talley looks forward to bringing the FAMU Nursing Program back to the top. “It was number one, second to none, a numero uno,” said Talley. “Instead of just being compared to other HBCUs nursing schools…we are going to be the exemplar.”