May 3, 2016

VCU School of Nursing names new chair of Department of Adult Health and Nursing

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By Anne Dreyfuss
C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research

Virginia Commonwealth University today appointed Beth Rodgers, Ph.D., as professor and chair of the Department of Adult Health and Nursing Systems in the School of Nursing. Rodgers previously served as professor and research chair at the University of New Mexico School of Nursing. She has been a prominent scholar, consultant and nursing educator for more than three decades, having served most of her career in various leadership positions at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Nursing.

“We are thrilled that a highly talented nurse leader of Beth’s caliber is joining our leadership team,” said Jean Giddens, Ph.D., professor and dean of the School of Nursing. “Her innovative scholarly work and research, as well as her leadership experience will complement the great work underway at our school.”

Rodgers is widely known for her work in qualitative and mixed methods research with adults experiencing chronic illness, major life change and obstructive sleep apnea. She has consulted extensively on Ph.D. nursing education and for faculty development related to philosophy, theory and scholarly thinking throughout the curriculum. She serves on numerous editorial and grant review boards and was a member of the Sleep Apnea Patient Advisory committee of the federally funded Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

“I am truly honored to be a part of such an impressive organization and to have the opportunity to work with such esteemed faculty and staff,” Rodgers said. "The School of Nursing, like VCU as a whole, is highly regarded for outstanding academic programs and research, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and a high level of community engagement. I look forward to supporting the school and the university in growing those accomplishments and continuing the momentum forward." 

Rodgers received her undergraduate nursing degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta and her Ph.D. degree from the University of Virginia.