Barnacle named Interim Associate Dean of Nursing

With deep appreciation for Dr. Carla Gross and her many contributions as she enters retirement, I am delighted to share exciting news for the School of Nursing. Please join me in warmly congratulating Dr. Mykell Barnacle on her appointment as Interim Associate Dean of the School of Nursing.

Dr. Barnacle brings exceptional experience, leadership, and dedication to this role. She earned her BSN from Concordia College (2004) and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from North Dakota State University (2008). Since joining the DNP/FNP program in 2012 as an assistant professor of practice, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service—earning promotions to associate professor in 2022 and full professor of practice in 2026.

Her impactful work spans rural healthcare education, tobacco treatment, and rural residency programs, with numerous publications and national presentations. She has also served as the project director of the HRSA Advanced Nursing Education–Nurse Practitioner Residency/Fellowship (ANE-NPRF) since 2019 and was honored with the 2022 AANP State Award of Excellence—an outstanding recognition of her leadership and contributions to the field.

Most recently serving as DNP/FNP co-director and graduate faculty, Dr. Barnacle has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership, collaboration, and a deep commitment to student and community success. We are incredibly fortunate to have her guiding the School of Nursing in this new role.

A national search for the permanent Associate Dean position will take place next academic year. In the meantime, please join me in celebrating Dr. Barnacle’s accomplishments and congratulating her on this exciting and well-deserved appointment!