Barbara Broome, Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and Henderson Memorial Endowed Chair, is set to retire from her position as Dean of Nursing at Kent State University, effective June 30. 

The college of nursing at Kent State is one of the largest nursing schools nationally, with accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. 

Broome, a graduate of Kent State University, started her role as Dean of Nursing in 2014, following a career at the University of South Alabama. She has earned publication in numerous book chapters and journal articles and was named as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 2008. 

As her time as dean of nursing comes to an end, Broome commends Kent State nursing students for their devotion and willingness to rise to the challenge of recent public health crises. 

“In my experience, anything worth working for is worth working hard for,” Broome said. “I believe that our graduates are highly sought after for their skills and work ethic.”

Over her almost six-year career as dean, Broome was an advocate for mental health awareness, diversity in the nursing program and student success. 

“As a Kent State graduate, it’s been especially rewarding to serve as dean,” Broome said. “Our sense of community here, and the relationships I’ve formed here, are things I will remember fondly.” 

Anthony Hill, a recent graduate of the nursing program, said Broome believed in the future of nursing and student’s success. 

“It made my experience as a student much more valuable to know that people like Dean Broome at Kent State truly care about students and the opportunities we get exposure to,” Hill said. 

Broome is succeeded by Denice Sheehan, associate professor of nursing and director of clinical research for the Hospice of the Western Reserve in Cleveland. Sheehan will serve as interim dean as final decisions are made about the future of the school of nursing.

 Contact Lauren Good at [email protected].