Dean
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Dr. Jean Giddens, Ph.D, FAAN, R.N. is Dean and Professor School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond VA. She has 30 years experience in nursing education that has included teaching in associate degree, baccalaureate degree, master's degree and doctoral degree programs in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Virginia. As a consultant to nursing programs and projects across the country and author of numerous journal articles, nursing textbooks, and electronic media, Dr. Giddens is a recognized leader in nursing education. Her passion lies with innovative models for teaching and learning. She is a national expert in conceptual-based teaching applications, curricula, and evaluation. She is also the author and creator of The Neighborhood, a web-based virtual community used to enhance integrative learning approaches in nursing education. Dr. Giddens was recently the principal investigator an Academic Progression in Nursing (APIN) grant funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This project is to develop a statewide plan for nursing education in New Mexico with a goal to increase access to prelicensure BSN education, increase the number of nurses educated at the BSN level or higher, and increase workforce diversity. Dr. Giddens earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Kansas, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at El Paso, and a doctorate in Education and Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University.