Deans named for Education & Nursing

Scott Jackson Dantley,Ph.D., has been named the new dean of FAMU's College of Education. Dantley currently serves as the Acting Dean of the School of Education at Bowie (Maryland) State University, where he is also an associate professor of chemistry and science education.

Mr. Dantley is billed as an expert on NCATE and the accreditation process an a successful fundraiser. He is credited with securing the following research grants: Men Engaged in Nurture (M.E.N.), a federal program designed to recruit and retain minority male teachers. Other funded grants include: a $1.3-million grant from the National Institutes of Health for the Mind Project; a $30,000 Teacher Redesign grant for work with local schools in supporting innovative and standards-based teaching practices; and, a $147,000 grant for the Minority Men Health Program (MMHP) for healtheducation workshops for local community and faith-based organizations.

Dantley is slated to begin work on July 17.

FAMU, today, also annouced the appointment of Mary Ella Graham, Ed.D. and R.N., as the new dean for the School of Nursing. Graham comes to FAMU from Tennessee State, where she served as dean and a professor of the School of Nursing.

“She brings with her a wealth of experience in the field of nursing, and an outstanding record of securing federal and state funds for important research. As we endeavor to produce outstanding nurse practitioners and educators, we need strong leaders; we need strong administrators. We feel that Dr. Graham fits that bill," said Provost Deborah Austin.

Graham’s experience in nursing education spans more than 30 years. She has held several leadership positions in her field, including dean and professor of the School of Nursing at State University of New York and assistant dean and chair at City College of New York.

Her list of fundraising efforts includes securing more than $1 million in federal, state grants and $700,000 from the Hospital Corporation of America.

Graham earned a doctorate in 1982 in curriculum and instruction in nursing education and a master’s of education in nursing with a concentration in adult health and illness in 1975, both from Teachers College Columbia University; she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Long Island University.

Graham’s appointment is effective July 24.