Welcome to new associate dean of academic affairs

Jenny O’Rourke, PhD, APN-BC, CHSE, has been appointed associate dean of academic affairs and associate professor in the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, effective May 15, 2023.

“We are excited to have Jenny join our leadership team as we develop innovative future-forward health sciences and public health education programs that meet the rapidly evolving needs of learners today and tomorrow.” says Elaine Morrato, DrPH, MPH, founding dean of the Parkinson School.

About Associate Dean O’Rourke

With 25 years of experience in interdisciplinary instruction and administration, O’Rourke brings extensive knowledge of curriculum, and accreditation standards and policies to the Parkinson School.

“I am eager to work with the diverse programs within the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health,” says O’Rourke. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty, students, staff and external partners in my new role and fostering a climate of academic excellence and collaborative, interdisciplinary education committed to health equity.”

O’Rourke most recently served as associate dean of graduate programs and associate professor for Loyola University Chicago’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. Prior to joining Loyola in 2016, she served the University of Illinois Chicago. In her role as director of the Clinical Learning Resource Center, she partnered with the colleges of Dentistry, Applied Health Sciences, and Medicine, as well as the University of Illinois Medical Center. O’Rourke also served as director of the adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program and clinical nursing instructor.

Through funding secured from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), O’Rourke has created opportunity for nursing students to work in underserved areas and led the creation of a national telehealth toolkit for educators. In addition, O’Rourke has a strong partnership with the National League of Nursing, growing innovative pedagogies and state-of-the-art methods for delivery of education to meet the demands of today’s students.

She received her MS and PhD in nursing from University of Illinois Chicago and BS in nursing from Villanova University.

O’Rourke succeeded MaryMargaret Sharp-Pucci, EdD, MPH, who retired in December 2022.