Phyllis Gendler has been named dean of the Kirkhof School of Nursing at Grand Valley State University. She had been acting dean since July 24.
Gendler began teaching nursing classes at GVSU in 1973 and was appointed acting coordinator of the nursing baccalaureate program in 1984. She earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from The University of Michigan in 1961, master's degree in nursing from Michigan State University in 1979, and a doctoral degree in family ecology with a minor in women's studies from MSU in 1993.
It's really an honor to be dean of this school, Gendler said. All I have seen since I've been at Grand Valley is wonderful growth.
Linda Scott, assistant professor of nursing, said Gendler's longevity at GVSU presents a stabilizing force for the Kirkhof School of Nursing.
Her vision helps to move us forward in our strategies of meeting the needs of our students and meeting the health care needs of individuals in our region, and beyond, said Scott, who was also a member of the search committee.
GVSU offers programs for registered nurses at its Pew Campus in Grand Rapids and at campuses in Traverse City, Muskegon, and Holland. The traditional bachelor's degree program is offered at the Pew and Allendale campuses.
