Message from Dean Sanford

Dear SON Friends and Family,

I am looking outside at a beautiful day of sunshine. While I know our weather can change within hours, I am reminded of spring and new beginnings. There is much new to celebrate here at the School of Nursing.

Our faculty are hard at work reviewing curricula and planning the implementation of competency-based education. Clinic faculty and staff are providing outstanding care to Mississippi’s youngest and offering training opportunities to UMMC students from multiple disciplines. Research faculty and staff are implementing high-impact studies that make a difference for the citizens of Mississippi. We are also completing the design phase of the new School of Nursing building. Much is happening to be excited about in our school.

I also am reminded that this is Black History Month. Recently, Dr. Marilyn Harrington, our Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and I attended the Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. This poignant experience brought home the message that injustice is not to be tolerated. Philosopher George Santayana stated, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” It is imperative that we not forget!

I want to thank my African-American friends and colleagues for their leadership and contributions to our school bringing a rich diversity of experience and thought that makes us all stronger and better.

All the best,

Julie T. Sanford, DNS, RN, FAAN, ANEF
Dean and Professor
School of Nursing
University of Mississippi Medical Center

Empowering Nurse Leaders. Transforming Health Care.