Moran named KCON associate dean for graduate programs

Katherine Moran brings diverse experience to her new role as associate dean for graduate programs in the Kirkhof College of Nursing.

Moran assumes the role held by Karen Burritt, who is transitioning to a part-time faculty role.

Moran earned a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree from Madonna University and most recently worked as associate professor of nursing at the University of Detroit Mercy. Moran helped implement the BSN to DNP program at UDM, and taught graduate and undergraduate courses, including within the university's BSN program at Aquinas College.

Cynthia McCurren, dean of KCON, said Moran's teaching experiences coupled with her expertise in clinical settings and within the health care industry will propel her to effectively lead the college's graduate programs.

"Dr. Moran has demonstrated expertise in community health, leadership and management, policy, health care delivery and project supervision," McCurren said. "Her record of scholarly productivity and external consulting highlight the many assets that led to her selection."

Moran has clinical expertise in diabetes education and was the co-owner of My Self-Management Team Inc., which brought chronic disease education into medical offices to work directly with patients. She is also a consultant for DNP programs at universities and colleges around the country.

She is among the authors of a textbook, "The Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project: A Framework for Success," that serves as a guide to DNP students, faculty and organizational mentors. One of the other authors is Dianne Conrad, associate professor of nursing at KCON, who was in Moran's DNP cohort at Madonna. Moran said knowing a few colleagues made the decision to work at Grand Valley easy.

"Plus, I support the mission and the vision of the university and of the college, it's very community focused," she said. "We're preparing the nurse leaders in this community who are forward thinking and will care for the population of tomorrow."