Nurse returns to Edinburgh university as health dean
A nurse has been appointed to lead health and social care education at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland.
Cardiology nursing expert Professor Susan Dawkes is returning to the university, where she previously spent 16 years of her career, as the new dean of the School of Health and Social Care.
“I am proud to join this community to provide leadership for the delivery of high-quality, contemporary programmes of education”
Susan Dawkes
Starting in the role this week, Professor Dawkes has moved from the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen where she was dean of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice.
Prior to starting at Robert Gordon in 2020, Professor Dawkes had worked at Edinburgh Napier since 2004, most recently as a professor in cardiovascular health.
Professor Dawkes said: “I am delighted to be returning to Edinburgh Napier University as the dean of the School of Health and Social Care.
“The university has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and I am proud to join this community to provide leadership for the delivery of high-quality, contemporary programmes of education for health and social care professionals not just in Scotland but across the world.
“I will also lead the team to continue to conduct multidisciplinary research that is world class, impactful and truly makes a difference to people’s lives.”
She replaces Professor Alison Machin, who is now the head of the nursing, midwifery and health department at Northumbria University and is also the chair of the Council of Deans of Health, which represents faculties of nursing, midwifery and the allied health professions across the UK.
Other roles that Professor Dawkes holds include convenor of the Council of Deans of Health in Scotland and honorary research consultant for the cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation teams at NHS Lothian.
Professor Nick Antonopoulos, vice principal for research and innovation at Edinburgh Napier, welcomed Professor Dawkes’ appointment.
He said: “During her time at [Robert Gordon] she has delivered substantial improvements in student recruitment and experience, as well as research, and engagement.
“Susan has personally led the development of numerous regional partnerships in the field, has strong national visibility having been appointed as the convenor of the Council of Deans of Health in Scotland, and as an expert professional has had a significant influence on national policy.”
