Welcome to the Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing
Dr. Gail Washington, DNS, PHN, RN, FAAN
Dean of the Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing (MMDSON)
Welcome From Dean Washington
“I am excited and honored to be named Dean of the Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing. I look forward to working with our students and colleagues to exemplify the university and school’s mission. In doing so, we will reflect on and relish past successes and envision transformative achievements in the future. The School of Nursing is committed to facilitating student success while reaching educational goals. Students will be prepared for the future after receiving an excellent education, skillful knowledge for practice, and focused evidence-based research. All these attributes are needed in a dynamic healthcare environment to foster equity, diversity, and inclusion for communities in need of healthcare. It is a priority to cultivate a sense of caring and belonging through intentional community engagement for improved healthcare outcomes. The Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing is a bright beacon of endless opportunities and possibilities in healthcare for diverse communities. We offer an array of nursing programs that will equip future nurses to meet the needs of populations we are passionate about and committed to serving.”
About the Dean
Gail Washington, DNS, PHN, RN, FAAN, has been named the new Dean of the Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing (MMDSON) at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU). Following an extensive national search, Dr. Washington culminated with a presentation to CDU students, staff, and faculty titled "Leadership and Vision for the Future of the Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing at CDU." Dr. Washington has over 25 years of professional experience as an educator, visionary leader, and researcher in higher education.
Dr. David M. Carlisle, President and CEO of CDU, emphasizes the nursing profession's vital role in healthcare and society and Dr. Washington's pivotal role in guiding the MMDSON. "Dr. Washington's experience, knowledge, and passion towards creating the next generation of nursing professionals and leaders, combined with her dedication to addressing health disparities among the vulnerable population, is truly a windfall of CDU in general and our nursing students in particular." Dr. Washington is coming to CDU following her role as Director of the Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), a role she has held since 2016. She joined the CSULA faculty in the Fall of 2002 and held multiple leadership positions before becoming a Professor and Director.
"CDU's highly student-focused culture means we value staff and administration who understand and value the student and faculty experience," shared Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, CDU's Dean of the College of Medicine. "Dr. Washington's participation in higher education from every level throughout her career has imbued her with a unique perspective to apply towards shaping our undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate nursing programs."
Dr. Washington's educational journey started at the Clemson University of South Carolina with an Associate Degree in Nursing. Next, she obtained her bachelor's and Master of Science in Nursing from Drake University in Iowa. Finally, she obtained a Doctorate in Nursing Science from Louisiana State University. Her research concentrates on health disparities, vulnerable populations, quality of life, and instrument development.
"My role as Dean of the Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing will provide me with an opportunity to bring my career in higher education back to South Los Angeles, where it began." Dean Washington first taught as a Nursing Instructor at Compton Community College in 1996. "I am grateful for the opportunity to support and contribute to CDU's vision of a world without health disparities."
Request for Third-Party Comments for CCNE Accreditation Review
Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing is scheduled for an accreditation review on October 12-14, 2022, by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This review will evaluate the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Interested parties may submit written comments concerning Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing’s qualifications for accreditation. CCNE will receive written third-party comments until 21 days before the accreditation visit. Therefore, all comments must be received by CCNE no later than September 21, 2022.
All third-party comments submitted to the CCNE must be written in English, consistent with CCNE’s policy on the Conduct of Business in English. CCNE will accept only author-identified (signed) comments. CCNE shares third-party comments with members of the evaluation team but does not share the comments with the program during the review process. During its program review, the evaluation team considers third-party comments, if any, which relate to accreditation standards.
Direct all comments to:
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
ATTN: Third-Party Comments
655 K. Street N.W.
Or via email:
thirdpartycomments@ccneaccreditation.org