Introducing Our New Dean, Karen M. Daley

Experienced nurse and educator ready to lead DHCON into the future

What attracted you to SHU DHCON?

I became personally connected to SHU through my daughter, who is a 2009 media studies alumna. As a parent, I witnessed the transformative impact of a SHU education in my own family and the University’s commitment to ensure success and growth in each student. Professionally, I have been aware of the reputation of excellence in SHU’s nursing programs for many years.  I’ve watched with admiration from afar the growth of the University’s programs and facilities and its impressive student outcomes. I was also attracted to SHU’s mission and vision, especially its Catholic intellectual tradition.  These values closely align with my own and I am thrilled to be working at an institution where I can actualize both my personal and professional values in the pursuit of educational excellence. Of course, coming home to Connecticut and being close to my family was an added bonus!

What messages would you like to send to our nursing students?

I spent my first few months reviewing everything I could about our programs. This effort affirmed my perception that DHCON is functioning at a true level of excellence! The faculty are very skilled and dedicated and are committed to helping you succeed. Listen to them and trust that we have your best interests as a student in mind. We expect the very best of you in terms of your personal effort and commitment as you learn to be a nurse. While at times it will seem very demanding and challenging, know that we will walk this journey with you with support, caring and compassion to help ensure your success!

What lessons did you learn from the disruption and challenges to conventional nursing education imposed by COVID? 

That our faculty and staff are more amazing than we ever imagined. They played a major role in supporting solutions to the crisis and this effort continues! Moving online was no easy endeavor, but the faculty did it with grace and speed. We were one of the first schools to send our students back to clinicals, allowing them to care for COVID patients.  Our faculty and students also stepped up to help with much needed COVID testing and vaccinations. These initiatives expanded our students’ knowledge base while also providing much needed manpower for our hospital partners during this critical time.

That nurses lead in crises and nursing perspectives matter in providing compassionate and emergent care. The world understands more than ever how essential nurses are in impacting positive healthcare outcomes. Although we haven’t yet fully assessed the “lessons learned” from this pandemic, be assured we plan to re-emphasize compassionate leadership in our nursing curriculum!

That the science and art of nursing combine to keep communities safe, informed and ready to respond. Keeping everyone safe and healthy has always been an integral part of the nursing profession. 

What are your near-term priorities?

Considering the college’s significant ongoing enrollment growth, especially at the undergraduate level, my first priority is to make sure the faculty and staff have the resources they need to support this growth.  We also need to maintain the level of excellence we are known for in our nursing programs and continue to maximize student outcomes.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for DHCON?

My goals encompass the following key areas:

• Teaching excellence and innovation: maintain the highest level of accreditation standards and create a culture of successful collaboration among faculty
• Student support: maximize student success
• Talent management: support faculty and staff work in pursuing “best practices” and foster the SHU culture of service excellence
• Facilities: ensure appropriate resources and facilities to support our growth
• Program development: evaluate/pursue possible new academic programs and ensure appropriate resources are in place to successfully implement them
• Financial administration: effectively plan and manage enrollment and collaboratively work with University Advancement to attract more financial resources, including scholarship funds