Dr. Sandra Daniel retires as Dean of the GSW College of Nursing and Health Sciences after 36 years of dedication
Published at 5:26pm Wednesday, December 13, 2023
- After 36 years of dedication, Sandra Daniel is retiring as dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at GSW. Image provided
Written by Sidney Scott
AMERICA – Sandra Daniel, Ph.D., dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), will retire effective January 1, 2024 after serving GSW for 36 years.
“It has been an honor to serve Georgia Southwestern in several capacities,” Daniel said. “Beginning as an instructor in 1986 and progressing through the tenure-track ranks to professor has been an honor. Most exciting, I have served as dean since 2008, which has allowed me to form lasting relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, and students at George Washington College, as well as to collaborate with Healthcare providers in our area.
During Daniel’s tenure, the nursing program at GSW has increased its enrollment several times, including adding a spring admission period for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students, developing several graduate programs, and most recently, reviving the Associate in Nursing program. Science in Nursing (ASN) program. The Guaranteed Admissions Program, a competitive early enrollment process, also attracts high school seniors.
“Daniel has been instrumental in developing and growing the nursing program at GSW to meet our regional health care workforce needs,” said GSW President Neil Weaver, Ph.D. “Her leadership has been critical to our accreditation efforts and to strengthen Our organization as a whole. It has doubled the number of nursing students who are now able to serve more people. I cannot imagine a greater legacy than enhancing opportunities for students and serving those in need.
Under Daniel’s leadership, GSW’s College of Nursing has earned numerous accolades, including being named the #1 Nursing School in Georgia for 2019 and 2022 by nurse.org. The BSN and MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and the ASN program is currently a candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Daniel has also led the nursing program in several upgrades to better serve its students. In 2012, the program moved to the Carter I Center in the new Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex. In the years since, Daniel has continued to advocate for and acquire state-of-the-art equipment for the program.
Danielle joined the faculty in 1986 as an instructor, and has served as dean since 2008. She is a two-time graduate of GSW, earning her Associate of Science in Nursing in 1974 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1976. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing from Valdosta State University and her doctorate in nursing from the Medical College of Georgia. She is also a Pediatric Licensed Nurse Practitioner with a degree from the University of Alabama, Birmingham.
“Throughout this journey, my ambition has been to make a meaningful impact by delivering high-quality programs that meet the needs of our constituents and prepare our students for highly successful careers in nursing,” Daniel said. “Nursing faces many challenges, and meeting them will require dedication and commitment to meet the diverse needs of our students and health care providers. The GSW program has always been the best and has consistently demonstrated excellence, and I know I am leaving the program in good hands.”
Theresa Teasley, DNP, will serve as interim dean until a new dean is selected.
Daniel has been selected as a 2024 GSW Distinguished Alumni and will receive the Canes Community Champion Award at the Gold Force Gala in January 2024.
Danielle plans to enjoy spending time with her husband, Arthur (Skeeter), her sons Davis and Logan, and her grandchildren.
“I would like to thank President Neil Weaver and the GSW administration for their unwavering support of my efforts to serve the university and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences,” Daniel said. “Their support has been instrumental in the work needed to move the program forward. As I look back, I eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of the program.”
After 36 years of dedicated service, Dr. Sandra Daniel is bidding farewell to her role as the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Georgia Southwestern State University. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Daniel has been a steadfast leader, advocate, and mentor for countless students and faculty members. Her passion for excellence and her unwavering commitment to the field of nursing have left an indelible mark on the university and the broader healthcare community. As she embarks on her well-deserved retirement, Dr. Daniel leaves behind a legacy of innovation, compassion, and tireless dedication to the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and her presence will be sorely missed at GSW.