Tanya M. Sudia has been named dean of the Louise Herrington School of Nursing at Baylor University in Dallas, Texas. Her deanship marks a return to Baylor, where she previously served as the Herrington School’s inaugural associate dean for research and scholarship. Currently, Dr. Sudia is interim dean, chief nursing officer, and professor at the University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation. Earlier, she spent four years as dean of the Augusta University College of Nursing in Georgia.
A graduate of the University of Akron in Ohio, Dr. Sudia earned her master of nursing degree and Ph.D. from Emory University in Atlanta.
Effective April 1, Carmen R. Carter will serve as the inaugural dean of Prairie View A&M University’s University College, a new academic unit created to strengthen the first two years of the undergraduate experience. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Dr. Carter currently serves as associate vice provost for academic affairs at PVAMU. She has an extensive background in academic policy, curriculum innovation, and student success initiatives.
Dr. Carter earned a master’s degree in higher education from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. in higher education leadership from Colorado State University.
Wendy DuBose is the new dean of health sciences at Wallace Community College-Dothan in Alabama. Since 2022, Dr. DuBose has served as an assistant clinical professor, coordinator of the RN to BSN program, and coordinator of the MSN nurse educator track at the School of Nursing at Auburn University at Montgomery. In these roles, she has led curriculum development, supported faculty, and championed student success.
Dr. DuBose is an alumna of Wallace Community College-Dothan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing with dual tracks in clinical nursing and nurse education from Auburn University at Montgomery, as well as a doctorate from the University of Alabama.
Sara Robicheaux is the new dean of the Michael E. Stephens College of Business at the University of Montevallo in Alabama. A faculty member since 2024, she previously spent two decades on the faculty of the now-closed Birmingham-Southern College. She held several leadership roles throughout her tenure, including dean of business programs, director of the Jane and Kevin Stump Entrepreneurship Program, and interim vice president of institutional advancement. She also held a B.A. Monaghan Professorship in Business for over a decade.
Dr. Robicheaux received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Birmingham-Southern College. She holds a master’s degree in economics and a Ph.D. in finance from the University of Alabama.
Nannette C. Turner has been selected to serve as interim dean of the College of Health Professions at Mercer University in Georgia. A faculty member since 2007, Dr. Turner currently serves as the college’s executive associate dean. Before her current role, she was chair of the college’s department of public health. Dr. Turner has over 25 years of experience as a public health practitioner in Texas and Georgia.
Dr. Turner received her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Xavier University of Louisiana, a master of public health degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and a doctorate in health education and health promotion from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
This feature on five women selected for dean appointments was such an inspiring and timely read — I appreciated how the author highlights each individual’s achievements while also celebrating the broader significance of female leadership in academia. The writing feels both informative and uplifting, giving readers insight into meaningful career paths while honoring the hard work and dedication behind each appointment. I especially loved the positive tone that emphasizes empowerment, representation, and the real impact these leaders are making in their fields.