Marjorie Luttrell, an associate professor of nursing, has been appointed as the new interim dean of the Loewenberg School of Nursing. This appointment follows the announcement that Lillian Bargagliotti will step down as dean to fulfill her new position as president of the National League of Nursing.
"It is a big responsibility, but I have a great supportive faculty and administration," Luttrell said.
The purpose of the NLN is "to advance quality nursing education that prepares the nursing workforce to meet the needs of diverse populations in an ever-changing health care environment," according to their Web site. The organization dates back to 1893 and boasts more than 16,400 members.
University of Memphis Provost Ralph Faudree mentioned in a statement the many accomplishments Bargagliotti has made during her tenure as dean.
"We thank Dr. Bargagliotti for her efforts on behalf of the Loewenberg School of Nursing," Faudree said.
"Under her leadership, the school's enrollment has more than doubled, a master's degree program in nursing has been established and graduates of the baccalaureate program have consistently far exceeded pass rates of other schools of nursing in the state. In fact, the most recent graduating class had a pass rate of 100 percent on the nursing certification exam."
The transition from one dean to another should not affect nursing school students. Faudree said it is simply a change of leadership.
He also added that the nursing school is expected to continue its current progress, which includes the newly instated Masters of Science in Nursing program, the increased amount of enrolled nursing students and a higher quality of nursing graduates.
Bargagliotti has presided over the nursing program since 1992 and will retain her position as a tenured professor while serving as NLN president.
Joan Thomas, assistant nursing professor, said Bargagliotti has been very influential in pushing the nursing school towards a new era and said she will be missed.
"More than any person on this campus, she has brought the school of nursing to a nationally-respected level," Thomas said. "She has moved the school forward and we are glad to have had her for 13 years of leadership."
But Thomas said Luttrell is the perfect person to fill Bargagliotti's shoes.
"We are fortunate to have Marjorie Luttrell as our dean," she said. "She is a proven leader. She is very well-respected."
Thomas added that it's unusual to have two such effective leaders.
"We are so lucky...we are so fortunate," she said.
Luttrell has been a professor in the Loewenberg School of Nursing since 1988. She has previously served as associate dean and as interim dean from 1990 to 1992.
Before coming to The U of M, Luttrell served as the associate dean of students at Louisiana State University Medical School In New Orleans.
