Creating a national presence

Julie T. Sanford, director 2011-2019

I had the honor of leading the Department of Nursing and ultimately School of Nursing at James Madison University from 2011 to 2019, first as the department head and ultimately as the director. During my tenure at JMU, the school resided in the ISAT building, moved to Burruss Hall as we expanded programs and enrollment, and finally landed in the beautiful Health and Behavioral Studies Building. Change, I like to say ‘transformative change,’ was definitely a running theme. I consider faculty growth and development to be something I am most proud of while at JMU. Investment in people is the most critical step you can take as a leader. There is no better place to put resources. I found it so rewarding to see faculty and staff meet their professional and personal goals and achieve national and international recognitions and awards. When faculty grow and develop, this leads to greater learning and outstanding opportunities for students. It’s really cyclical…investment in one group leads to investment in the next and ultimately the best healthcare for our patients, families and communities, which is my priority goal as an academic nursing leader. We did start new programs with the DNP, enjoy substantial enrollment growth in all programs, and become a School of Nursing…no small feats. However, the impact of our graduates providing nursing care at its highest level is the most important outcome we can achieve. JMU nurses are outstanding!

My time at JMU was also transformative for me as a leader. I sometimes experienced uncertainty, but had great enthusiasm and belief in the mission of JMU and our School of Nursing. My leaders and faculty and staff hung in there with me as I grew and became more assured of the direction we needed to take. I had the encouragement of my dean, Dr. Sharon Lovell, to be active in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). I was elected to serve on AACN’s board, a privilege and honor, and provide testimony in a Senate hearing to the importance of funding for nursing education. I consider my time at JMU and in Virginia as a turning point for my growth and opportunity as an academic nursing leader. The person and leader I am today would not have been possible if it were not for those incredible experiences. I will always be grateful.

...the impact of our graduates providing nursing care at its highest level is the most important outcome we can achieve. JMU nurses are outstanding!

Sanford with then students Kristen Ahearn (’16) and Tara O’Conner (’16), at the AACN Advocacy Day in March of 2016.