New Department Chair at Penn Nursing

PHILADELPHIA (November 23, 2020) —  Nancy A. Hodgson, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Anthony Buividas Term Chair in Gerontology and Professor of Nursing, will be the next chair of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing’s (Penn Nursing) Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences (BHS), effective January 1, 2021. 

Hodgson is an internationally recognized nurse scientist, with a strong program of research focused on incorporating evidence-based findings into geriatric nursing practice to conquer challenges in palliative care for persons living with dementia and their families such as promoting dignity, minimizing symptoms, and honoring peoples’ preferences for care at the end of life. She has been a leader and innovator in her work co-founding the Palliative Care Program at the Madlyn and Leonard Abramson Center (formerly the Philadelphia Geriatric Center) — one of the first nursing-home based palliative care programs in the nation. Her research has been well funded and is a source of pride for the school.

“Dr. Hodgson is a well-respected colleague, collaborator, mentor, and faculty member, and brings all of her past teaching and administrative experience to the department,” said Penn Nursing Dean Antonia Villarruel. “I know Nancy will bring her highly collaborative spirit to BHS and lead faculty and staff to a new vision for the department in line with the School’s strategic goals.” 

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About the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing is one of the world’s leading schools of nursing. For the fifth year in a row, it is ranked the #1 nursing school in the world by QS University and is consistently ranked highly in the U.S. News & World Report annual list of best graduate schools. Penn Nursing is currently ranked # 1 in funding from the National Institutes of Health, among other schools of nursing, for the third consecutive year. Penn Nursing prepares nurse scientists and nurse leaders to meet the health needs of a global society through innovation in research, education, and practice. Follow Penn Nursing on: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, & Instagram.  

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