Welcome Back, Nursing Owls! | | |
It is with much excitement that I warmly welcome all new and returning students to the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing for the fall semester. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, from BSN, RN-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD, or one of our certificate programs, I wish everyone a successful academic year! You have worked immensely hard to get here, and I am inspired by your passion and drive.
I would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated nursing faculty and staff who are helping students achieve their goals. Our outstanding, nationally-ranked nursing programs are a testament to your steadfast commitment to providing students with rigorous academic curriculum and experiential learning opportunities. The college’s Initiative for Intentional Health further supports education and research grounded in caring science, as does the University’s Interprofessional Education program, which the college actively participates in to better prepare all health profession students.
On a personal note, after serving as dean for the last six months, I have truly enjoyed learning about the rich history of our remarkable college. I look forward to engaging more with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and community supporters to find new ways to help students grow and thrive.
As the semester gets underway, I hope to see many of you at our campuses in Boca Raton, Davie and Harbor Branch. Please remember that if you need extra help, guidance or simply someone to talk to, all you have to do is ask.
Together, let us celebrate your academic achievements in the months ahead.
Go Owls!
Dean Cameron Duncan
| | Excellence in Nursing Education: Caring in Action | Florida Atlantic University's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is preparing the next generation of nurses with nationally-ranked undergraduate and graduate academic programs, cutting-edge simulation labs and clinical experience grounded in caring science. Dean Cameron Duncan describes how our students, faculty and staff are contributing to nursing education and the profession. Watch Video | College of Nursing Celebrates Summer Graduates | | Congratulations, graduates! The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing's Summer 2025 commencement ceremony took place Aug. 5 on the Boca Raton campus. The college’s RN to BSN and MSN Nurse Educator summer graduates join more than 214,000 alumni who have received degrees from Florida Atlantic University since the university opened its doors in 1964. | | FAU/NCHA Community Health Center Volunteers at Back to School PBC | The FAU/NCHA Community Health Center staff, clinicians and nursing students provided immunizations and mental health assessments at the Back to School Palm Beach County event at the convention center in West Palm Beach on July 26. The countywide activity provided more than 10,000 students from grades K–12 with backpacks and supplies, school physicals, clothing and more to prepare them for the coming academic year. The Community Health Center was among dozens of local organizations, nonprofits and sponsors who participated at sites across Palm Beach County for this activity open to registered students and their families. View Photos | Dr. Ruth Tappen Named 2025 Recipient of Prestigious Gerontological Nursing Research Award | | Dr. Ruth Tappen, professor and Christine E. Lynn Eminent Scholar in the College of Nursing, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). The award is presented by the Nursing Care of Older Adults Interest Group and is given to a member of the society in recognition of their outstanding and sustained contribution to geriatric nursing research. Dr. Tappen will be presented with the award at the GSA's annual Scientific Meeting, Nov. 12 to 15, in Boston. | Most Hospital Visits of Vulnerable Nursing Home Residents Avoidable | |
In one of the largest studies of its kind, researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine and Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, and collaborators, conducted a secondary analysis of data from 264 nursing homes across the U.S. The study shows that about 80% of emergency department (ED) visits and more than one-third of hospitalizations in severely impaired and terminally ill nursing home residents were potentially avoidable.
Results of the study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, reveal that among more than 6,000 severely impaired nursing home residents, one in three experienced a hospitalization – more than one third of which were potentially avoidable. Nearly 20% visited the ED without being admitted, and 70% of those visits were deemed preventable. Ruth Tappen, Ed.D., professor and Christine E. Lynn Eminent Scholar, FAU Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, is among the study's co-authors. Read More
| 'Virtual' Socializing Greatly Eases Isolation in Seniors with Dementia | |
Florida Atlantic University researchers, led by FAU’s Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center, a nurse-led adult day program in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, analyzed 1,900 virtual events to find the best indicator of social engagement in older adults with dementia. Their findings, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, reveal how engagement emerges – or fades – in social settings, offering new strategies to reduce isolation and support cognitive health in older adults with ADRD.
“One of the most striking findings was that the number of people actively speaking at any given time was the strongest predictor of engagement – it consistently stood out in our models, even when we accounted for other factors,” said Christine Williams, DNSc, APRN, co-author and professor emerita, FAU Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. “We also saw that interaction with the younger facilitator made a significant difference. In one case, a male participant’s engagement rose from less than 3% to nearly 30% – during the exact same game – when the female facilitator he had bonded with was present. Our findings highlight the importance of training facilitators to recognize and respond to ADRD-related language deficits thereby supporting those with ADRD to socialize in groups.” Read More
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Student orientation sessions are scheduled during August for incoming Accelerated BSN and Freshman Direct Admit (FDA) students as they learn more about their courses and requirements for the academic year. Orientation for the Accelerated BSN cohort at the Davie campus takes place Thursday, Aug. 7 while the session for the Boca Raton students occurs Friday, Aug. 8. The FDA group will gather in Boca Raton on Friday, Aug. 15.
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Florida Atlantic University will host its annual Freshman Convocation for College of Nursing students on Friday, Aug. 15, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium on the Boca Raton campus. The event formally welcomes new students to the beginning of their academic career. Doors open at 2:15 p.m. Learn More
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Say “aloha” to over 300 student organizations on Friday, Aug. 15, from 3 to 6 p.m. on the Housing Lawn. From fraternity and sorority life, academics, special interests to club sports, there is an organization for you! Enjoy a live DJ, vendors and more. Learn More
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A virtual Accelerated BSN track information session will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 12 from 2 to 3 p.m. This limited-access, four-semester program is a fast track to a professional nursing career. Sign up for the event here.
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Our Freshman Direct Admit track is a full-time, four-year program for currently enrolled high school seniors who are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Join the virtual information session on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 3 to 4 p.m. to learn more. Click here to register.
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An RN to BSN virtual information session will be held on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m. This track is for applicants who have completed a diploma or associate's degree nursing program at an ACEN-accredited institution, possess an unencumbered RN license in the state of residence and seek to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Click here to register.
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Curious about Graduate College? Take the next step in your educational journey! Florida Atlantic's Graduate College will host a virtual Graduate Information Session on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 5 p.m. This session will include information regarding financial aid, test preparation and graduate admissions. Learn more and register here.
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Register for fall 2025. Classes start on Saturday, Aug. 16. View the FAU Registrar's calendar here.
Note: Non-degree-seeking students are only allowed to register just prior to the start of each term.
| | Alumna Spotlight: Tresha Powell '25 | | |
At the age of 43, Tresha Powell, RN, BSN, MSN '25, decided to continue her education as a student in the MSN Nurse Educator program at Florida Atlantic University. But Powell felt overwhelmed following a cross country move and transitioning to a new job, so she chose to delay her start date. She soon faced an even greater challenge—the loss of her beloved father, who had always been her guiding light and sole inspiration to becoming a nurse.
“I always admired the way his patients and family members adored him, and I wanted to walk in his footsteps,” stated Powell. “Even when he was in the ICU and no longer intubated, my dad reminded me that my classes would be starting soon. He was extremely proud of me. Sadly, he succumbed to his illness and passed away a few days before I began the program. I thought about postponing my start date again, but I forged on because of him.”
Fast forward two years, and Powell completed her master’s degree program with straight A’s. She proudly became a graduate of the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing in August 2025. Read More
| | Preceptor Spotlight: Dr. Sandra Daccarett | | |
Three-time Florida Atlantic University alumna Sandra Daccarett, B.S.N. ’03, M.S.N. ’11, D.N.P. ’18, has cultivated a nursing career motivated by her steadfast commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in patient care. From the bedside to the operating room, and now to her private practice, each step has deepened her clinical insights, sharpened her skills and fostered the leadership that guides her work today.
“The most rewarding part of my job is that every day brings an opportunity to learn and evolve—to open my mind to new approaches, refine my skills and find better ways to serve my patients,” shared Dr. Daccarett. “That sense of lifelong growth was first instilled in me at Florida Atlantic, where I learned that great care begins with curiosity, compassion and the courage to keep learning.” Read More
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For nurse educators planning professional development opportunities for faculty, the Anne Boykin Institute for the Advancement of Caring in Nursing has created a series of short (10 min. or less) instructive videos on incorporating aesthetic knowing as part of teaching in nursing. These are free for your use. Learn More
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Save the date for FAU Giving Day 2025! On Thursday, Sept. 18, alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends are encouraged to make charitable donations to a college or program of their choice, including the College of Nursing, its new Simulation Center, and the Memory and Wellness Center and Community Health Centers. A gift of any amount supports student scholarships, faculty research and programs that impact the South Florida community and beyond.
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The Florida Atlantic Foodies event at The Blue Dog Boca Raton on July 23 featured special guest Dean Cameron Duncan who shared information about the college’s academic programs, nurse-led clinics, upcoming events and opportunities for alumni to support students. The evening was hosted by the Florida Atlantic Alumni and Community Engagement Office.
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College of Nursing staff held their Summer Retreat at the Hillsboro Club in Deerfield Beach on July 9. The agenda included professional development sessions, wellness activities and a strategic planning discussion. Staff participated in breakout sessions to reflect on future goals for the college and identify opportunities for growth and collaboration. It concluded with an informational AI demonstration and how to utilize the rapidly changing technology in daily tasks facilitated by the Florida Atlantic University Office of Information Technology.
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Drs. Laurie Martinez and Louise Aurelien Buie have been invited to be guest speakers as part of the Boca Raton Rotary Club’s Health and Wellness Series. On Friday, Aug. 8, Dr. Martinez will present, “The Business of Intentional Well-Being: Why Health is Your Company’s Greatest Asset,” and on Friday, Aug. 22, Dr. Buie will present, “Pillars of Mental Health.”
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The Nursing Professionals Alumni Network invites you to attend their fall reception on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Davie campus! This special gathering celebrates Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing graduates. Connect with fellow Owls and enjoy refreshments as we honor their compassion and leadership. RSVP here. Please note: New users will be required to create an account in order to RSVP.
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Apply now for the college’s new Advanced Holistic Practice & Nursing Coach Certificate for spring 2026. The application deadline is Nov. 15, 2025. The graduate certificate advances knowledge of the contemporary views of healing and holistic nursing practice.
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The College of Nursing’s Dermatology Nurse Practitioner (NP) Certificate Program is accepting fall 2025 applications through Friday, Aug. 8. The course prepares NPs with the knowledge and skills for specialization in general dermatology. The fall 2025 semester begins on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
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Free yoga classes on Tuesdays at noon will resume Tuesday, Aug. 19 in the College of Nursing building, Room 115, Boca Raton campus. The sessions are open to all Florida Atlantic students, faculty, staff and residents of surrounding communities.
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Interested in contributing to the success of our students? Become an NP preceptor. To view the preceptor handbook and the guidelines for applying for participation points, click here. Questions? Contact Charles Owens at cowens11@health.fau.edu.
| | Dr. Andre Williams Publishes New Data Science Journal Article | | |
A new study by Andre Williams, Ph.D., assistant professor of data science, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, compared different types of neural networks for modeling ordinal outcome data. The results of his study, “Cumulative Link Ordinal Outcome Neural Networks: An Evaluation of Current Methodology,” were published in the journal, Health Data Science.
“The implications of this research are that care and consideration must be employed when selecting a machine learning algorithm to model ordinal outcome data,” stated Dr. Williams. “Different models offer varying fits to the data, and you should always choose the model that best fits your data. I also discuss the concept of using less suitable models in the sensitivity analysis.”
Dr. Williams has several other research projects underway, including a project on the association of mental health outcomes and social factors for people with a cancer diagnosis; novel penalized ordinal regression models with an application to nationally available mental health data; and a study that aims to integrate data science and biostatistics to address pressing research methodology issues.
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Kadeem Samuels joined Florida Atlantic on July 21 as the director of financial and personnel operations for the College of Nursing, where he leads strategic budgeting, financial forecasting and operational planning. With over a decade of experience in higher education and health care finance, he has managed multimillion-dollar budgets, driven performance improvements and supported research funding initiatives.
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Cassandra A. Boyer, the new assistant director of research operations in the Office of Nursing Research and Scholarship, joined the team on July 7. Specializing in forensic adult age estimation research and collections management, she earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Kansas and her master’s degree in anthropology from Florida Atlantic University. Currently, she is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Nevada, Reno.
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PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS:
*Baig, M. M., Besser, L. M., Tolea, M. I., Kleiman, M. J., Chang, L. C., O’Shea, D. M.,
Chrisphonte, S., Wiese, L., & Galvin, J. E. (2025). Correlates of post-COVID-19 pandemic
worry and preventive practices in older adults in Florida. Frontiers in Public Health, 13,
1608352.
#Brennen, M., Tappen, R., & Johnson, V. (2025). The association of perceived stress,
glucocorticoids receptors, and corticotropin-releasing hormone gene expression during
pregnancy. Biological Research for Nursing, 0(0).
https://doi.org/10.1177/10998004251336366
#Ghoreishi, S. G., Boateng, C., Moshfeghi, S., Jan, M. T., Conniff, J., Yang, K., Jang, J., Furht,
B., Newman, D., Tappen, R., Rosselli, M., & Jackson, K. (2025). Quad-tree based driver
classification using Deep Learning for mild cognitive impairment detection. IEEE Access,
13, 1–1. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2025.3558706
#Koszalinski, R. S., Tappen, R., & Newman, D. (2025). Relationship of physical well-being,
emotional well-being, and social engagement to cognition in a multiethnic older population.
Research in Gerontological Nursing, 1–13. Advance online publication.
https://doi.org/10.3928/19404921-20250303-01
#Ouslander, J. G., & Tappen, R. M. (2025). Diagnoses associated with hospitalization of
nursing home residents with severe functional impairment and terminal illness. JAMDA, The
Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.
#Sopcheck, J., & Tappen, R. M. (2025). Nursing home residents, family members, and staff
members views about a good death and preferred place of death for a nursing home resident.
OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228251323422
*Williams, A. (2025) Cumulative Link Ordinal Outcome Neural Networks: An Evaluation of
Current Methodology. Journal of Data Analysis and Information Processing, 13, 182-198.
doi: 10.4236/jdaip.2025.132011.
(* = Data-based, # = Caring Science)
| | Invest in our nursing students today to prepare for Florida’s health care needs tomorrow. | | | | |
