ATLANTA — Linda A. Streit, R.N., D.S.N., has been appointed interim dean of the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, effective July 1, Provost Wallace L. Daniel announced today. Dr. Streit will succeed Dean Susan S. Gunby, R.N., Ph.D., upon her retirement as dean. Dr. Streit is a tenured professor and associate dean of graduate programs, and she has served as a professor and administrator at the College since 1990. Dr. Gunby, who holds a professorship in the College, will return to full-time teaching upon her retirement as dean.
“Although this is an interim appointment, I fully embrace the challenges and opportunities during this time of transition,” Dr. Streit said. “Through the efforts of our highly respected and hard-working faculty, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing will collectively create a vision that continues to build upon outstanding programs of study, supportive alumni relationships, successful community partnerships and commitment to research.”
Dr. Streit came to the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing in 1990 as an assistant professor to teach in the newly established Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. She was named professor in 1996 and assistant dean for graduate programs in 2001. Named associate dean in 2003, she oversees the Master of Science in Nursing program and served as chair of the College’s planning committee to design its new Ph.D. in nursing, which will begin this fall. Dr. Streit has twice earned the College’s Faculty of the Year Award.
“Dr. Streit is a well-respected, knowledgeable, and experienced leader and administrator who will provide able leadership while the search process continues for the next dean,” Dr. Daniel said. “She has the support of faculty, staff and students, and will advance the educational excellence for which the College of Nursing is noted.”
Dr. Streit’s current research initiatives focus on the topic of osteoporosis, evidence-based practice, innovative teaching and learning trends, work force civility, classroom technology and ethical decision making. She has earned numerous professional distinctions and awards, including, most recently, selection as a National League for Nursing ambassador. Dr. Streit serves as a consultant to nursing faculty, nursing student groups, and agencies, and is a reviewer for health care and nursing programs. She is a member of several critical care groups and professional organizations, including the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Dr. Streit has presented regionally, nationally and internationally on topics such as nursing practice, ethics, patient nutrition and a variety of nursing research topics. She serves as a reviewer for book publishers and has written chapters in nursing textbooks and published articles and papers in nursing professional journals.
Dr. Streit earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Indiana State University, a Master of Science in nursing from Old Dominion University and a Doctor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama at Birmingham.
About the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing:
Founded in 1902 as a school of nursing, the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing is the oldest nursing program in Georgia. Over its 107-year history, the College has had 6,594 graduates. Since its founding, the College has been dedicated to educating the person, fostering the passion and shaping the future of nursing. The College merged with Mercer University in 2001 and offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing and, beginning in Fall 2009, a Ph.D. in Nursing.
About Mercer University:
Founded in 1833, Mercer University is a dynamic and comprehensive center of undergraduate, graduate and professional education. The University has approximately 7,600 students; 11 schools and colleges – liberal arts, law, pharmacy, medicine, business, engineering, education, theology, music, nursing and continuing and professional studies; major campuses in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah; three regional academic centers across the state; a university press; two teaching hospitals — Memorial University Medical Center and the Medical Center of Central Georgia; educational partnerships with Warner Robins Air Logistics Center in Warner Robins and Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta; an engineering research center in Warner Robins; a performing arts center in Macon; and a NCAA Division I athletic program. For more information, visit www.mercer.edu.
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