Brown steps in as nursing interim dean

Jean Brown, Ph.D., has been named Interim Dean for the School of Nursing, following the death of Mecca S. Cranley, Ph.D.

Cranley will be missed by many at UB, including Vice President of Student Affairs Dennis Black.

"First and foremost, I loved Mecca Cranley," Black said. "I learned a lot from her, and I'm going to miss Mecca Cranley."

However, Black is confident in the School of Nursing, and in Brown.

"There is strong leadership in that department," Black said. "And I don't expect that to change."

Brown's achievements are numerous. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Rochester School of Nursing, where she also completed post-doctoral study. Her research focused on nutrition-related cancer symptom management. In 2005 she was promoted to professor in nursing, nutrition and rehabilitation science. Her administrative positions in the School of Nursing include associate Dean for Academic Affairs since August 2002 as well as acting dean from December 2005 through August 2006.

David Dunn, Vice President for School of Health Affairs, praised Brown's credentials.

"Jean is wonderful," Dunn said. "She is very academically inclined."

Dunn also said that Brown's experience as one of Cranley's top administrators will assist her as interim dean.

"She will do an absolutely superb job helping the school during this transition," he said.

Brown's academic inclinations are evident in her work with research funding. She helped secure a $275,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute to study the use of multivitamins and minerals during cancer therapy. Brown was also instrumental in securing a $1.3 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, which was used to fund the UB nursing school's accelerated bachelor's degree program - one that allows individuals holding degrees in other fields to receive their bachelor's degree in nursing in 12 months.

Brown's work has been widely recognized, receiving the Oncology Nursing Society's Publishing Division ONF 2005 Quality of Life Award for her paper, "Quality of life and meaning of illness of women with lung cancer."

Also, in 2004 she was a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. She was named a fellow for the year 2001 with the American Academy of Nursing.

"I am honored to be named Interim Dean of the School of Nursing," Brown said. "My goal is to ensure the school maintains its high standards for education, research and service established during Dean Cranley's tenure. As we search for a new dean, I will work to ensure the school is prepared for new leadership."