Although Dr. Jenny Schuessler's job as professor and dean of the Tanner Health System School of Nursing at the University of West Georgia didn't officially begin until July 1, she was already on campus and meeting colleagues at a leadership retreat two months before.
"I learned more than I would have thought possible during those two days," Dr. Schuessler says. "I left campus after the retreat energized about the direction that UWG is taking under Dr. Kyle Marrero’s innovative leadership. I literally could not wait for July 1 to get here."
With a background in medical-surgical and critical care nursing, Dr. Schuessler discovered her passion for education when she took an appointment in the Capstone College of Nursing at the University of Alabama.
"Shortly after taking on that role, I realized that nursing education was where I wanted to be," the Wedowee, Alabama native reflects. "A nurse educator truly has the opportunity to make the world a better place through preparing nurses, who are critical to the health care system."
She continued to climb the academic ranks at Auburn University where she served 14 of the 24 years there as assistant and associate dean of the nursing school. While there, she was recognized by BSNtoMSNonline.org as one of the Top 100 Nursing Professors of 2012.
"I enjoy all the roles of being a college professor: teaching, research and service," she says. "My research and service interests center around care of those with heart failure, heart disease and underserved populations."
Dr. Schuessler says that she has learned something great about UWG every day since her arrival, and she is looking forward to learning more.
"It has been an interesting month, leaving me only more eager for what the future holds for the Tanner Health System School of Nursing and UWG," she concludes.
Dr. Schuessler is married to Wesley Schuessler, who is a science teacher at East Coweta Middle School. The have three grown children: Nicholas Hamner, who is married to Ashton Harris Hamner, Jessica Hamner Blackburn, married to Matt Blackburn, and John Schuessler.
