Mary J. Dyck, Ph.D., RN, LNHA, began her tenure at Illinois State University as an assistant professor in the fall of 2003, however, she previously taught at Mennonite College of Nursing from 1985 to 1989. She now holds the rank of professor. Dyck has taught a variety of courses in the undergraduate, masters, Ph.D., and D.N.P. programs. With her combined expertise in gerontological nursing and nursing administration, she has developed a research agenda on nursing home quality. Her most recent work, together with Nancy Novotny, Ph.D., RN, CNE, has focused on the scope of nursing practice in skilled nursing facilities.

In August, Dyck began her new role as associate dean for Research at MCN. In this role she will oversee the Office of Nursing Research, Scholarship, and Innovation, a resource for College research activities. As part of this role, she will develop the College’s research and scholarship capacity through faculty mentoring and development activities. She is developing strategic initiatives with the College’s clinical partners and will support students in their research and scholarship endeavors.

One of the things that Dyck enjoyed the most in her faculty role was the mentoring of doctoral students and new faculty. This mentoring role enticed her to apply for the associate dean for Research position. She is looking forward to working with faculty on their research and scholarship.