Radford University has selected Wendy Downey, D.N.P., as dean of the College of Nursing, following her successful tenure as interim dean.
During her two-year tenure as interim dean, Downey led several transformative initiatives. She was instrumental in renaming the School of Nursing, making Radford University the first public institution in Virginia to establish a College of Nursing. Additionally, she secured full CCNE accreditation for all nursing programs in 2023 and obtained a significant gift for the newly named JoAnn Bingham Clinical Simulation Center.
“Wendy has already been transformative as a leader of Radford's Nursing programs,” Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Bethany Usher, said. “With her vision, Dr. Downey has led Radford to graduate excellent nurses and has spearheaded initiatives to improve health and well-being in Southwest Virginia and the Commonwealth.”
Under Downey's leadership, student enrollment in the College of Nursing has surged, making it the second largest college at Radford University. Her innovative programs, including Direct Admission to the BSN for freshmen, the Nursing Undergraduate Recruitment Success and Engagement (NURSE) Program, and the Nursing Living Learning Community, have significantly boosted student recruitment and success.
“I am thrilled and humbled to be selected as the permanent Dean of the College of Nursing,” Downey said. “We have substantial momentum built from our college’s accomplishments over the past two years, and I am confident we will continue to excel, delivering the highest quality nursing education in Virginia.”
Radford University is committed to being the premier destination for health education in Virginia, and to leading healthy communities in Southwest Virginia. The College of Nursing, under Downey’s leadership, will play a key role in supporting this goal.
Downey brings over 35 years of experience in healthcare, leadership and academia. As a second-career nurse and exercise physiologist, Downey has extensive relationships in healthcare and communities across the New River and Roanoke Valleys. Her previous roles at Carilion Clinic, LewisGale Regional Health System, and Good Samaritan Hospice highlight her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and healthcare excellence.
She will continue to serve as a tenured associate professor alongside her new role as dean.
Search committee members included Dean Steven Bachrach, chair of the committee, and additional members including Katie Katz, Sarah Keaton, Carey Cole, Jessica Fenton, Sara Brown, Kevin Chui, Steve McBride, undergraduate student Brooke Blevins and graduate student Gwen Spangler.