by Taylor Bryant
The Tanner Health System School of Nursing at the University of West Georgia recently announced Dr. Jenny Schuessler as the new dean. This announcement follows the almost 30-year career and retirement of current dean, Dr. Kathryn Grams.
“The students, faculty, staff and I are delighted with the appointment of Dr. Schuessler,” says Dr. Grams. “She is the right person to lead the school to the next level and we look forward to her arrival.”
Dr. Schuessler’s long list of credentials is impressive. Since 1990, she has held various positions at the Auburn University School of Nursing, currently presiding as the associate dean. Before becoming associate dean, Dr. Schuessler served as the assistant dean from 2000-2008 and held multiple faculty ranks, including being named the Betty McClendon Fuller Endowed Professor in 2012. Though she has spent the majority of her higher education career at Auburn, she began teaching as an assistant professor at the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
“There are no words to describe how excited I am over my appointment as Dean of the Tanner Health System School of Nursing at the University of West Georgia,” says Dr. Schuessler. “Before coming to campus, I was aware of the tremendous growth the university is experiencing and the excellent reputation of the School of Nursing. However, the on-campus interview process convinced me there is no better place to be than the University of West Georgia. Everyone I met had incredible enthusiasm and a bold vision for the future of the University and the School of Nursing. I can’t wait to get started!”
Dr. Schuessler holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Jacksonville State University, a Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a registered nurse and has spent her career not only educating students, but also serving patients at DCH regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, South Fulton Medical Center in East Point, Georgia, and East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama.
“We are excited to have Dr. Schuessler joining as the second Dean of the Tanner Health System School of Nursing,” says UWG President Dr. Kyle Marrero. “This is a critical time in the history of our institution and the delivery and development of healthcare programs will be at the forefront. I have great confidence in Dr. Schuessler leading these efforts and building on the great work and legacy of Dr. Kathryn Grams.”
