Ann Branchini Appointed Interim Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions
This message was sent to faculty and staff by the Provost on July 19, 2022.
Dear Colleagues,
As Dean Laura N. Gitlin, PhD, prepares to end her tenure as dean and return to the faculty at the end of January 2023, I am pleased to share that the College of Nursing and Health Professions will move forward under the leadership of Interim Dean Ann Branchini, PhD. Dr. Branchini will began at Drexel this week so that she will have several months to work with Dean Gitlin and the CNHP leadership team to allow for a more seamless transition.
Dr. Branchini joins Drexel with deep administrative experience, having most recently served as Interim Dean of Academic Services at Brandeis University. Prior to that, Dr. Branchini served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty at Molloy University from 2016-2021. Dr. Branchini oversaw curricula for Molloy’s 69 degree programs, led Molloy’s academic restructuring and strategic planning, and established a more robust Faculty Professional Center in support of teaching and expanded research and scholarship among the faculty.
Dr. Branchini began her academic career as nursing faculty at Three Rivers Community College, rising to the rank of Director of Nursing and Allied Health (2000-2003) and finally to Chief Academic Officer and Academic Dean (2003-2016). In the latter role, she created the college’s five-year Strategic Plan, initiated an annual academic strategic planning process and designed the college’s first general education assessment program. She also forged innovative partnerships with area organizations to improve curricula, building on a foundation of health-care-agency relationships that led to gifts in excess of $1 million.
Dr. Branchini earned a PhD in nursing with a focus on leadership in 2012 from the University of Connecticut. Prior to her time in academia, she served in nursing roles at several community and veteran’s hospitals, focusing on medical-surgical patient care.
Dr. Branchini will lead the College of Nursing and Health Professions through this period of transition until, following a national search, a permanent dean will be appointed for the 2023–2024 academic year. Please join me in welcoming Ann to Drexel and supporting her in her new role!
Sincerely,
Paul E. Jensen
Executive Vice President
Nina Henderson Provost