Lasting Legacy
Andrea Hollingsworth, PhD, RN has been
at the helm of Gwynedd Mercy University's
Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing and
Health Professions since 2001.
D
uring her tenure as Dean, the School has seen
transformational growth and continued its reputation
as a trailblazer in nursing and healthcare education. Dr.
Hollingsworth's experience as a nurse and educator spans more
than 40 years, starting out as a nurse caring for mothers and
infants at local hospitals before turning to higher education. She
was a faculty member at several institutions and served as the
director of the undergraduate program at Villanova University
for 10 years prior to joining GMercyU.
As her time at GMercyU comes to an end, we sat down with Dr.
Hollingsworth to reflect back on her experience.
What first attracted you to Gwynedd Mercy
University?
I had always known of GMercyU’s program through my
colleagues that were working here. As a matter of fact, my best
friend was a faculty member. I often came and did guest lectures
A look back at Dean Hollingsworth’s tenure…
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2009
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2001
Named Dean of the School of Nursing
Mr. and Mrs. Maguire announce their
$5 million gift to the program, the
largest-ever alumni gift.
The School of Nursing is
officially named the Frances M.
Maguire School of Nursing, making it
GMercyU’s first endowed school.
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10
TODAY
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GMercyU celebrates the nursing
program’s 50th anniversary.
2012
The Frances M. Maguire School of
Nursing and the School of Allied Health
Professions consolidate to become the
Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing
and Health Professions.
2013
GMercyU is approved to offer
its first doctoral program, the
Doctor of Nursing Practice.
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