McKenna comes to Madonna from Alma College, where she was the founding director of the nursing program, which involved writing the self-study and nursing curriculum and obtaining state approval, and then accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. McKenna as dean of Madonna University’s College of Nursing and Health,” said James O’Neill, Ph.D., Madonna’s provost and vice president for academic administration. “She brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to the position. We were impressed with her leadership style of shared governance, and her innovative approach to program development. Most importantly, she believes in engaging students in quality improvement and new nursing initiatives.”
An advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), McKenna earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) and her Master of Science in Nursing from Oakland University.
Her clinical practice in a multitude of settings including, acute care and the community have provided her insight into how she educates in the classroom. It also provided opportunities for her to delve deeper into the meaning of patient and family healthcare experiences. Committed to serving the underserved population, she participated in a medical mission to provide healthcare to Syrian refugees, last summer.
“I am ecstatic to join the Madonna University family as dean. The University as a whole, and the College of Nursing and Health, in particular, have a reputation for excellence.” McKenna said. “Madonna’s strong mission and commitment of service to others also align with my Catholic values.”
McKenna is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau. A widow, McKenna, resides in Clay Township, Mich. She has two adult children and two granddaughters. She enjoys gardening and running, when she is not teaching or serving others.
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