An expert in health-care strategies for Canadians with chronic illness has been appointed Dean of the Thompson Rivers University School of Nursing.

Dr. Barbara Paterson appointed as TRU Dean of Nursing

“Attracting this caliber of candidate to TRU and our School of Nursing is not only a tremendous opportunity for our faculty and students, but it is an incredible resource for the region,” said Dr. Ulrich Scheck, TRU Provost and Vice President Academic. “While Dr. Paterson is an award-winning educator with a strong record of scholarship and research funding in the areas of nursing education and chronic illness, she also has considerable experience working with and learning from Aboriginal peoples.”

“I am excited about working with the faculty at Thompson Rivers University School of Nursing because I appreciate their commitment to student learning and to the scholarship of teaching,” said Dr. Paterson. “I am confident that as we work together with our community partners we will contribute to the reputation of the School of Nursing as among the best in Canada.”

Dr. Paterson’s administrative experience includes nursing service, higher education, and leading a research institute as the senior administrator. She will commence her five-year term as Dean starting July 15, 2010.