Become THE FOUNDING DEAN OF THE
JOYCE E. LILLIS SCHOOL OF NURSING
A new chapter in a tradition of excellence. Become a part of our 125-year legacy.
Become the FOUNDING DEAN OF THE
Joyce E. Lillis School OF NURSING
Mercy College of Health Sciences was founded by the Sisters of Mercy as a training school for nurses in 1899. Throughout our 125-year history, we have remained focused on building upon our strong foundation as a Catholic, accredited, nonprofit institution of higher learning. Our faith and commitment to excellent, compassionate health science education has allowed us grow and expand our academic offerings to meet the rising needs of Iowa’s healthcare workforce. Our faculty are among the best in their field and instruct students in a curriculum founded in experiential training and critical classroom instruction. Students choose from a variety of degree options – including certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s program tracks – to pursue and accelerate their careers in healthcare.
In 2025, Mercy College announced the launch of the Legacy of Faith Capital Campaign for the Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing. The Campaign has been met with massive community and private donor support and construction on the new building is expected to be completed in 2026. To support this initiative, Mercy College has launched the search for the Founding Dean of the Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing, a position that will play a pivotal role in establishing Mercy College as a School of Choice in Iowa to attract students and faculty alike.
Explore the
Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing
The Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing is a two-story, 24,000 square foot that will replace the currently unused Building 2 on Mercy College’s downtown Des Moines, Iowa, campus. The new school will support Mercy College’s most in-demand educational offering – nursing – with purposefully designed classrooms and simulation labs outfitted with modern patient care technology. Read more about the strengths and opportunities made possible by the Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing and the future Dean of Nursing!
Leaders
Inspired by Faith
Mercy College not only offers students an exceptional education, but also offers employees a rewarding work environment. As the Dean of Nursing and a Mercy College of Health Sciences leader, you will be responsible for leading the Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing in accordance with our Core Values of knowledge, reverence, integrity, compassion, and excellence. You will actively work toward upholding our mission to prepare graduates for service and leadership in the healthcare community by integrating our Core Values with a professional and liberal arts and science education.
As the Dean of Nursing, you will oversee important aspects of all nursing programs housed under the Joyce E. Lillis School of Nursing, including program accreditation, curriculum design, faculty hiring, program development, clinical partnerships, and strategic direction. Reporting to the Mercy College Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Dean of Nursing will oversee direct reports responsible for daily management of clinical education, prelicensure nursing programs, and post-licensure programs.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTUREJoin Our Team
Your Body of Work
Dean of Nursing Duties:
- Establish a clear vision for the Joyce E Lillis School of Nursing making it the School of Choice in Iowa for students and faculty.
- Mentor nursing leaders to ensure a pipeline of nursing leadership in the Joyce E Lillis School of Nursing.
- Provide oversight for faculty recruitment, program orientation, development, mentoring, and evaluation.
- Develop new program offerings and new delivery formats that ensure Mercy College is on the leading edge of nursing education.
- Grow and maintain relationships with Trinity Health, MercyOne, community partners, accrediting agencies, and other friends of the College.
- Oversee all operations of the Joyce E Lillis School of Nursing.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Terminal degree (PhD, EdD, DNP preferred) in related field
- Experience with policy and curriculum review and implementation
- Current and valid (or eligible for) Iowa RN license
- Experience with prelicensure programs
- 5 years teaching experience
- 3 years in academic leadership
- Demonstrated knowledge of academic and accrediting processes
- Demonstrated ability in managing, leading or training others
- Excellent interpersonal skills
Questions?
Contact Us!
CINDI TREVILLYAN
Senior Administrative Assistant to the Provost
(515) 643 – 6759
Cindi.Trevillyan@mercyoneiowa.org
