Fahrenwald promoted, McLennon selected as School of Nursing’s interim dean

The Texas A&M University School of Nursing recently appointed Susan M. McLennon, PhD, ARNP-BC, CHPN, interim dean after the promotion of Nancy Fahrenwald, PhD, RN, PHNA-BC, FAAN, to the new position of associate vice president for University Health Services.

McLennon previously served as the School of Nursing’s executive associate dean. A board-certified adult nurse practitioner and certified hospice and palliative care nurse, she has taught, researched and held leadership positions in the nursing schools at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), the University of Tennessee, Indiana University and the University of Florida.

McLennon earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Florida, Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Florida and PhD in nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She was also a post-doctoral fellow and scholar in medical ethics at Indiana University.

“The School of Nursing is well positioned to prepare the health care leaders of tomorrow thanks to the visionary work of Dr. Fahrenwald,” McLennon said. “I am humbled to lead our students, faculty and staff as we search for a permanent dean.”

Fahrenwald, who joined Texas A&M in 2018 to lead the School of Nursing, transitioned to her new role last month and oversees student health, counseling and emergency medicine services. Her tenure as dean saw transformational growth of the School of Nursing, including increases in research funding, enrollment and academic programs. She was instrumental in the launch of the Center for Excellence in Forensic Nursing and secured funding for a new nursing education building at the Texas A&M McAllen Higher Education Center. Fahrenwald continues to serve as a professor in the School of Nursing.

“While I’m thrilled to join University Health Services, my time in the School of Nursing was deeply rewarding and central to who I am as an educator, leader and nurse,” Fahrenwald said.  “I am proud of what we accomplished and know Dr. McLennon will lead with passion and integrity.”

Dean of Public Health Shawn Gibbs is chairing the search for the School of Nursing’s permanent dean.