Villanova University Announces Naming of M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing

Villanova University recently announced the naming of the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing to honor the college’s visionary dean who passed away in September. Under Dr. Fitzpatrick’s leadership, the Villanova College of Nursing developed into a leading nursing program and was repeatedly recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.

Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, Villanova University President, tells Villanova.edu, “Louise Fitzpatrick will be remembered as one of the most vibrant, transformative leaders in the history of Villanova, and I can think of no more fitting an honor than to name our College of Nursing after her…Her leadership set a course of greatness for the College and our University – and through this naming, we are ensuring that such vision and excellence continues to be a hallmark of the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.”

Dr. M. Louise Fitzpatrick was dean of the Villanova College of Nursing for nearly four decades, shaping a transformative educational experience for Villanova nursing students. Dr. Fitzpatrick served as the Connelly Endowed Dean of the College of Nursing and worked tirelessly to expand the College’s academic programs, including initiating the master’s and doctoral programs, and an accelerated BSN program for second-degree students. She also developed distance learning programs and clinical simulation initiatives.

Under Dr. Fitzpatrick’s leadership, three centers were established at the university: The Center for Nursing Research, the Center for Global and Public Health, and the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education. To learn more about Dr. Fitzpatrick’s tenure at Villanova and naming of the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, visit here.