The College of Nursing is welcoming an experienced nursing leader as its new associate dean for faculty development. Diana-Lyn Baptiste brings a wealth of experience to her new role – including many years as a nurse, educator, mentor and researcher – that gives her unique insight as she works to help College of Nursing faculty grow and thrive.
Baptiste arrives from the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, where she was an associate professor teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs. A registered nurse for more than 25 years, she is an accomplished researcher in cardiovascular care and prevention, and she has published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles.
Nursing runs in Baptiste’s family. She comes from a line of nurses and healthcare professionals whose compassion inspired her own path. Her passion for cardiovascular nursing took hold in nursing school, when she learned how heart failure can affect the entire body, including the lungs and kidneys. Years of working with patients and families have deepened her belief that healthcare is “a right, not a privilege” and strengthened her commitment to improving cardiovascular health outcomes for all.
“Nursing is much more than a profession,” Baptiste said. “It is a calling that allows me to improve lives, mentor future nurses and leaders, and advocate for meaningful change in healthcare nationally and globally.”
At the USF College of Nursing, Baptiste will focus on creating an environment for faculty where they feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive. Her vision, she says, is grounded in five priorities: career development, scholarly productivity, promotion support, community building and faculty well-being.
“When we invest in our faculty, we strengthen our teaching, scholarship and partnerships, while advancing the collective success and national reputation of the USF College of Nursing,” she said.
Baptiste says she was particularly drawn to the College by its commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement. After meeting members of the USF community, Baptiste said she was energized by their enthusiasm for the college’s future.
“Dr. Baptiste brings exceptional experience and a strong commitment to faculty success to this important leadership role, said Usha Menon, dean of the USF College of Nursing. “Her appointment comes at an exciting time for the College of Nursing as we continue exploring innovative ways to support our faculty to thrive in their teaching, scholarship and service.”
Baptiste earned her Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. Her honors include fellowships in the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association and the American Academy of Nursing, as well as the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Alumni Association’s Excellence in Teaching Award. She was most recently elected a Fellow of the American Heart Association.