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By Carol Newman

The South Florida region is nothing if not diverse. And the area’s diversity in culture, language, ethnicity and age, is one of the chief factors that drew Abby Villarroya, Fortis College’s new Dean of Nursing, to the area. That, and in her words, “a desire to bring a positive and nurturing teaching and learning experience to a diverse population.”

With almost two decades of experience as a working nurse and nurse educator, Villarroya realized early in her career that she wanted to focus on equipping student nurses with the knowledge and skills, and equally important, disposition, that they will need to succeed in today’s challenging healthcare climate. Helping students develop the cultural competence that she, personally, has found so valuable, is a priority.

Fortis College Cutler Bay’s academic structure was also an attraction. Abby believes that career colleges provide an ideal environment for students to grow personally and professionally. Small class sizes and a comprehensive curriculum that delivers a balance of traditional classroom instruction, laboratory work and real-world hands-on skill development, “allows us to fulfill the needs of the community and future employers in a shorter amount of time.”

 A native of the Philippines, Villarroya says that adjusting to the American culture made her not only a stronger person, but professionally, made her even more committed to her values. As a nurse educator, she says that although the transition was not easy, she was supported by her family and friends and as a result is even more aware and responsive to the needs of her students.

Currently in the final stages of her doctoral program at the Catholic University of America, Villarroya is excited to embark in this teaching-learning journey at Fortis College because, “the mission, vision, and student-centric philosophy of this College fit perfectly with my own personal values and professional value of nursing excellence.” To further illustrate her perspective, she shares one of her favorite quotes by Gandhi, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Fortis College Cutler Bay offers both Associate Degree in Nursing and Practical Nursing programs as well as Medical Assisting. Learn more about how to get started on your career education at Fortis by calling (786) 345-5300.