UNA officials named Vicki Pierce the new dean of the College of Nursing June 4.

Pierce previously served as the associate dean and chair of the Department of Nursing-Traditional. She currently serves as the interim dean until she steps into the dean’s position June 8.

“She has a strong value system and the faculty, staff and clinicians were very supportive of her,” said Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Carmen Burkhalter. 

Burkhalter said her clinical experience and understanding of the College of Nursing made her stand out among the other candidates for the dean’s position. 

Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost John Thornell said Pierce made strong connections with clinical sites during her time as the associate dean.

“Everything she did as the associate dean was exceptionally well done,” Thornell said. “The selection committee felt that she could transfer that into the deanship.”

Pierce will replace Birdie Bailey, who retired the position May 31.