University of California Professor Named Dean of Yale Nursing School

Dr. Catherine Lynch Gilliss, chair of the Department of Family Health Care Nursing at the University of California in San Francisco, today was named dean of the Yale School of Nursing, it was announced by President Richard C. Levin. Dr. Gilliss’ five-year appointment will begin July 1, 1998.

“The breadth of Catherine Gilliss’ experience makes her the perfect person to assume these responsibilities. She is a respected leader in her field, an innovator in nursing research, education and clinical care. She brings with her the energy to take our nursing school, poised for preeminence, to a position of national leadership in the next century,” Levin said.

“I look forward to being part of the brilliant and civic-minded team that is leading Yale University into its fourth century of preparing a new generation of leaders,” said Dr. Gilliss.

She will replace Judith B. Krauss, who joined the nursing school faculty 26 years ago, and has served as dean for nearly 13 years. During Dean Krauss’ tenure she has made several key appointments to the faculty and the school’s research programs have been expanded significantly. A new doctoral program was added in 1994, and the school moved to expanded and newly renovated state-of- the-art teaching facilities in 1995. In addition, the school has strengthened and developed new clinical partnerships with several clinical agencies throughout Connecticut. A noted authority on the care of people with serious and persistent mental disorders, Dean Krauss will return to a teaching and mental health policy role on the faculty.

“Judy Krauss has led the Yale School of Nursing to renewed national prominence. Long known for its strong clinical programs, the school has built new capabilities in nursing research and doctoral education under her leadership. We are grateful for her inspired and effective service,” Levin said.

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the appointment of Cathy Gilliss as the eighth dean of the Yale School of Nursing,” said Krauss. “She will bring fresh visions and ideas to the school at a critical time in health care reform and health care education. I know she will be a strong and visible presence both inside Yale and nationwide, as we work to reshape a health care system in need of change.”

Dr. Gilliss, a certified adult nurse practitioner, has taught at the University of California since 1984, where she received her Doctor of Nursing Science degree and completed a post-doctoral fellowship. She previously held teaching positions at several universities including The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., the University of Maryland, and the University of Portland, where she serves as a trustee.

Her research has focused on innovative models of nursing intervention for patients and their families, especially during recovery from life-threatening illnesses such as coronary bypass surgery. Most recently, she completed an enumerative study of the primary care work force in the state of California.

During her career, Dr. Gilliss has earned numerous awards and honors, including election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. She was named the Outstanding Nurse Practitioner Educator by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, and the program she directs received the Pew Health Professions Commission’s Excellence in Primary Care Education award. She recently was president of the Primary Care Fellowship Society and of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.

Dr. Gilliss is married to Tom Gilliss, and they have two children. Dr. Gilliss is a native of New Britain, Conn.