Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

04/27/2026

Congratulations to Benjamin Cikota '26, who was selected as a Falvey Scholar in recognition of his outstanding undergraduate research project: "Investigating the Role of the School Nurse in Providing Mental Health Screenings and Interventions Related to Grades and Academic Performance in Adolescents."

His faculty mentor is Elizabeth Burgess Dowdell, PhD, RN, AFN-C, IVES-C, FAAN, professor and coordinator, Undergraduate Research and BSN Honors program.

An active student leader, Ben is also treasurer of the Student Nurses' Association of Pennsylvania.

04/27/2026

Loretta Sweet Jemmott, PhD, RN, FAAN, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick Endowed Professor of Community and Home Health Nursing, is featured in Global Health Matters from the NIH Fogarty International Center.

The profile highlights her global research and community‑driven health interventions that have strengthened outcomes for adolescents worldwide.

Her advice for students? “Always take your time. Build partnerships and collaborations, because you can't move a mountain by yourself. Think big, start small.”

https://www.fic.nih.gov/News/GlobalHealthMatters/january-february-2026/Pages/loretta-sweet-jemmott.aspx?utm_campaign=ghm&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ghm2026feb

04/23/2026

Are you a nurse practitioner in the Philadelphia region? We are actively seeking dedicated preceptors to partner with us in preparing the next generation of nurse practitioners at the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. Read on for programs, benefits and next steps!

Our primary care programs include:
*Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
*Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
*Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
*Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Preceptors play a vital role in shaping competent, compassionate clinicians—and we are deeply committed to supporting you in that role.

Benefits of precepting with us include:
*Opportunity for a courtesy faculty appointment with FCN
*Invitation to our annual Preceptor Recognition Dinner
*Access to university continuing education events and professional networking
*Ongoing support from experienced faculty
*The opportunity to give back to the profession and influence future NP practice

Whether you are an experienced preceptor or considering this role for the first time, we would love to connect with you.

If you’re interested, please reach out to:
👉 Rebecca C. Mueller, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, CRNP (rebecca.c.mueller@villanova.edu)
Clinical Assistant Professor; Director, Nurse Practitioner Program; Coordinator, Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Together, we can continue to advance high-quality, patient-centered care through strong clinical education partnerships.

04/16/2026

Villanova University’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing invites applications for the inaugural holder of the Wendy U. and Thomas C. Naratil Endowed Professorship in Oncology Nursing.

This senior faculty role offers an exceptional opportunity for a nationally or internationally recognized nurse scholar to advance oncology nursing through leadership in research, teaching and service. The endowed professor will provide academic and scholarly leadership in oncology nursing education while supporting the college’s mission of excellence, innovation and meaningful impact on patient outcomes.

Located near leading health systems and research institutions, the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing offers a highly collaborative environment dedicated to preparing nurse leaders who serve with compassion, integrity and clinical expertise.

Learn more about this opportunity and apply here:
https://jobs.villanova.edu/postings/34040

04/15/2026

Thank you to our Villanovans in Healthcare panel, featuring former and current members of the College’s Board of Consultors, for a thought‑provoking and energizing conversation. We’re grateful for their insights and leadership involving vital healthcare issues.
- 𝗗𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗼, Market President for Southeastern Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Shield
- 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮 𝗚𝗶𝗹𝗯𝗼𝗱𝗲, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (Penn Medicine)
- 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
- 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗟𝘆𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗜𝗜𝗜, President and CEO Emeritus, Main Line Health
- 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗔𝗴𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗼, Senior Vice President and System Chief Nursing Officer, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

04/13/2026

We are happy to share that Alanna Owens successfully defended her dissertation on April 9. She is the 147th program graduate.

The title of her study is: "Essential Core Competencies for New-to-Practice Nurses: A Consensus from Clinical Leaders." Her dissertation chair was Dr. Bette Mariani, and her committee member was Dr.Evie Lengetti. Dr. Michelle McKay and Dr. Jim Mendez served as examiners for the dissertation defense.

Congratulations, Dr. Owens!

04/10/2026

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association has honored Gabbie Mathis '25 MSN-Ed, RN, PMH-BC, CPN, CPHQ, CNEcl with its 2026 Award for Excellence in Practice – RN. Congratulations, Gabbie!

A Psychiatric Clinical Nurse and Safety Quality Specialist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Gabbie is also an adjunct clinical faculty member in the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.

✨ They shine through their service!

Join APNA in celebrating the extraordinary nurses recognized as this year’s APNA Annual Awards recipients. Their dedication, compassion, and impact inspire.

Meet the nurses: https://www.apna.org/annual-awards-recipients

04/09/2026

Learn more about Dr. Guy Weissinger, PhD, MPhil, RN, recently featured as Villanova Magazine's Change-Maker.

Drawing on his experience as both a therapist and nurse, Guy Mattingly Weissinger II, PhD, MPhil, RN, is preparing future nurses to care for others and themselves. As the Diane Foley Parrett Endowed Assistant Professor of Nursing, he leads research on mental health, clinical training and caregiver well-being in the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.

Read more: https://www.villanova.edu/vu/magazine/fall-2025/change-maker-guy-mattingly-weissinger.html

04/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/179Uft4wxb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Craig Melvin, acclaimed journalist and NBC’s TODAY co-anchor, to deliver Villanova University’s 2026 Commencement Address.

Learn more: https://www.villanova.edu/university/media/press-releases/2026/commencement.html

04/08/2026

Insights & Updates with Dean Donna Havens

● April 15, 12–1 p.m. ET
● Virtual/Online
● Open to parents, alumni, staff and friends

Register now! https://vuevents.villanova.edu/website/93557/

04/05/2026

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and blessed Easter Sunday. May the hope of this day of the Resurrection bring peace to your heart and to our world.

04/03/2026

Today marks the beginning of the three most sacred days of the Christian calendar, known as the Triduum. Christians worldwide observe Holy or Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper and powerfully emphasizes our call to serve others. Let us embrace the spirit of sacrifice and service that this day embodies.