By Daniel Casciato
Florida Atlantic University has named Dr. Cameron G. Duncan, Ph.D., DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, as the new Holli Rockwell Trubinsky Eminent Dean of the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Dr. Duncan, who will assume his role on January 27, 2025, is the fourth dean in the college’s 45-year history.
With a distinguished academic achievement, clinical practice, and scholarship background, including his recent role as interim dean of the Orvis School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Reno, Dr. Duncan is poised to elevate Florida Atlantic’s nursing program to new heights.
His dual board certifications as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, combined with his leadership in establishing the first Advanced Practice Registered Nurse clinic in northern Nevada, underscore his commitment to innovation and community impact.
Dr. Duncan shares his journey into nursing education, his vision for the college, and how he plans to address the challenges and opportunities facing the nursing profession.
Inspired Beginnings
A mentor sparked Dr. Duncan’s journey into nursing and education during his undergraduate years. “Dr. Kate Sheppard embodied what it meant to be a nurse—caring, compassionate, and an excellent educator,” he recalls. Dr. Shepherd’s unique approach inspired him to pursue nursing education, emphasizing each nurse’s individuality and the profession’s transformative power.
“Nursing combines compassion with science,” he explains. “Teaching allows me to shape the next generation of nurses who will impact many lives. At Florida Atlantic, I’m excited by the college’s commitment to embracing individuality and caring while advancing community health.”
Setting Priorities
As Dean, Dr. Duncan’s goals are to strengthen the college’s existing education, research, and clinical practice excellence. “My top priority is to enhance what we’re already doing well—supporting research, expanding clinical practice opportunities, and fostering our faculty and students’ growth,” he says.
One critical focus is building partnerships with regional healthcare facilities. These collaborations are essential for increasing clinical placement opportunities, a limiting factor for many nursing schools.
Dr. Duncan seeks innovative solutions to meet the needs of healthcare providers while expanding opportunities for the college’s students. “By working with our community partners, we can advance shared goals and produce more high-quality nurses.”
Additionally, he is committed to expanding Florida Atlantic’s wellness clinics, which provide essential healthcare to underserved communities. “I want to bring these services to additional areas, ensuring that patients who might not otherwise have access to healthcare can benefit from quality nursing care.”
Addressing the Nursing Shortage
Dr. Duncan is acutely aware of the ongoing nursing shortage and its impact on healthcare. “There’s no single solution to this issue—it requires collaboration among schools, employers, nursing organizations, legislators, and donors,” he emphasizes. His strategies include advocating for additional funding, expanding enrollment capacity, and retaining faculty and staff.
“Retention is just as important as recruitment,” he notes. “Our faculty and staff give their all to support students, and we must ensure we’re caring for them as well.”
Integrating Technology
Technology is vital in nursing education in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Dr. Duncan aims to integrate cutting-edge tools into the curriculum, from simulation activities to AI-driven solutions.
“It’s essential to expose students to these technologies early and teach them to use them effectively while understanding their limitations,” he explains. “Technology is a resource, not a replacement for the human connection that defines nursing care.”
Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are cornerstones of Dr. Duncan’s vision for the college. Florida Atlantic employs a holistic admissions process and provides targeted scholarships to support underrepresented students.
“DEI is foundational to nursing,” he says. “It’s about treating everyone as the individual they are and respecting their unique experiences.”
He believes instilling these values in nursing students will create a ripple effect throughout the profession. “If we teach students to embrace DEI, the impact on nursing practice will be profound.”
Strengthening Community Engagement
Community engagement is central to the college’s mission, and Dr. Duncan plans to deepen partnerships with local providers. “Our community partners are critical to providing students with the hands-on experience they need,” he says. By offering Florida Atlantic’s expertise to help partners achieve their goals, he aims to strengthen these relationships and open more student training opportunities.
Advice for Future Nurses
To nursing students and new graduates, Dr. Duncan offers words of encouragement: “Remain resilient and embrace lifelong learning. What you learn in school is just the beginning. Always remember why you chose this profession and who you are.”
He acknowledges the challenges of transitioning from student to practitioner but emphasizes the importance of support systems.