Kent State University announced Laura Cox Dzurec as Kent State’s new dean of the College of Nursing Monday. PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

Credit: Steve Schirra

Kent State announced Monday the appointment of Laura Cox Dzurec as the dean of the College of Nursing. She will begin July 1.

Dzurec replaces Julie Johnson, who announced her resignation in March.

Dzurec was a professor at the University of Connecticut and dean of their nursing school before accepting the position at Kent State, said Lisa Lambert, Kent State public relations coordinator.

“She has a very strong background in administration, as well as clinical practice,” Lambert said.

Dzurec taught at Kent State as an assistant professor from 1982 to 1984 and from 1985 to 1987, Lambert said.

“Not only is coming to Kent State at this time an opportunity to revive old friendships and acquaintances, but it also is a wonderful time in the life of the university and nursing,” Dzurec said in a press release. “I look forward to the excitement and challenges that are part of leading a dynamic college.”

Dzurec has also held academic and administrative positions at Oregon Health Sciences, Ohio State, Case Western Reserve and the University of Maine, according to a press release.

“She’s got great experience,” Lambert said.

For an in-depth look at the College of Nursing’s future with Dzurec, check out the June 14 print and online editions of the Summer Kent Stater.

– Rachel Abbey