John McFadden, Ph.D., has been named interim dean of Barry University’s College of Health Sciences by Provost Linda Peterson.“We are delighted that Dr. McFadden has agreed to take on the role of interim dean of the College during this important transition,” Dr. Peterson said. Dr. McFadden replaces Pegge Bell, PhD, RN, who retired from the dean position this summer.
Dr. McFadden, who has been at Barry since 1998 when he was an adjunct faculty member, received his PhD in Nursing from Barry in 2008. Prior to this appointment, he was the director of the anesthesiology program from 2005 to 2008, and most recently served as the associate dean and chair for the Division of Clinical and Administrative Health Science Programs. He successfully expanded the College’s use of distance learning technology to offer programs in multiple locations throughout Florida, meeting the state’s demand for more health care professionals. In 2008, he was named Program Director of the Year by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).
As an associate professor, Dr. McFadden has taught a variety of courses in Barry’s anesthesiology, biomedical sciences, and podiatry programs. He has served on numerous University committees, including faculty welfare, information technology, intercultural activities, and institutional effectiveness. Dr. McFadden also played a key leadership role in the recent establishment of the College’s classroom and office space in Hollywood, Florida.
Dr. McFadden has served on numerous national committees and on the boards of professional organizations, including his recent completion of a term on the board of directors of the AANA. He has published his work in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, and lectures extensively, both nationally and internationally, on evidence-based practice, health care leadership, bioethics, and clinical anesthesia. Dr. McFadden has two decades of experience in accreditation, serving as both a surveyor and consultant for hospital and professional educational accrediting bodies.
“It is my honor to be serving in this position for Barry,” Dr. McFadden said. “I realize this is a unique opportunity to expand my work with our talented faculty, staff, and student body.”
Dr. McFadden earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Gwynedd-Mercy College in Pennsylvania. He holds master’s degrees in nurse anesthesia and health care administration from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Tennessee.
As the interim dean of Barry University’s College of Health Sciences, Dr. McFadden now oversees the administration of nearly 20 degree programs and specializations. The College offers undergraduate degrees in cardiovascular perfusion, clinical biology, and nursing; master’s degrees in anesthesiology, biomedical sciences, clinical biology, health services administration and public health, nursing, and occupational therapy; the PhD in nursing; and the Doctor of Nursing Practice.
“Our goal is to prepare the next generation of health care leaders who are able to confidently address the challenges of our system and the unique needs of our patients,” Dr. McFadden said.
