Topeka, Kan. – Dr. Jane Carpenter has been named dean of Washburn University’s School of Nursing. Carpenter has served as interim dean since the retirement of former dean Monica Scheibmeir in July 2019
“I am thrilled to have a leader of Dr. Carpenter’s caliber and capability in the role of dean of the School of Nursing,” said Jerry Farley, president of Washburn University. “Her skill and insight will identify new opportunities and help lead the school to even greater prominence.”
“Carpenter’s work as interim dean confirmed what we knew all along—she is an outstanding individual and educator who brings incredible experience and insight to this critical role,” said Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, vice president for academic affairs. “Carpenter has a robust vision for the future of the school and I look forward to working alongside her to realize that vision.”
A member of the faculty in the Washburn School of Nursing since 1993, Carpenter became the director of the pre-licensure program in August 2015 and served in that role for three years before becoming the associate dean of undergraduate nursing programs. Before joining Washburn, she held a variety of leadership and management positions during a 16 year tenure with St. Francis Health Center of Topeka.
In her previous leadership roles, Carpenter participated in multiple state and federal grant submissions, including oversight of the Kansas Nursing Initiative Grant for the Washburn University School of Nursing. Carpenter worked with international colleagues on important benchmarking studies involving nursing faculty and has served as co-president of the Kansas Commission for Nursing Education and Practice.
Carpenter graduated from Washburn University School of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She later earned a Master of Science in Nursing and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from the University of Kansas.
“This is an incredible opportunity, and I am delighted to serve Washburn in this capacity,” Carpenter said. “The students, faculty, staff and alumni of Washburn’s School of Nursing make essential contributions to the benefit of society, and I am grateful for the honor of leading them and continuing the outstanding work of this school.”
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