Welcome from Dean Nickitas

August 28, 2026

Welcome Back - Message from the Dean

Dear Students,

As we begin a new academic year at Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden, I am delighted to welcome our returning students, new students, faculty, and staff. Whether this is your first semester with us or one of many, this moment marks both a beginning and a continuation. We return with renewed purpose and shared commitment, strengthening our community and sense of belonging. 

This year, our message is simple but powerful: Rooted Here. Rooted Everywhere. We are rooted in service, scholarship, integrity, compassion, and excellence. At the same time, the impact of our work extends far beyond our classrooms, campus, and community through the lives we touch, and the leaders we develop. 

As we move forward together, I invite each of us to embrace this year with curiosity, purpose, and optimism. These are not simply aspirations. They are principles that guide how we learn, lead, care, and serve. 

Be Present. Show up fully for your learning, your work, and one another. Listening deeply and engaging respectfully foster a strong community and shared purpose. 

Be Courageous. Ask difficult questions. Challenge assumptions. Advocate for patients, communities, and one another. Courage is the willingness to act with integrity despite uncertainty. 

Be Compassionate. Lead with empathy and understanding. Remember that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. 

Be Open to Learning. Remain curious and humble. Growth occurs when we learn from evidence, experience, and one another. 

Committed to One Another. Our success is collective. We thrive when we support colleagues, mentor future leaders, celebrate diverse perspectives, and create an environment where everyone can belong and contribute. 

Together, these principles transform our values into action. They shape meaningful interactions in our classrooms, where ideas are exchanged respectfully and challenged thoughtfully. They guide our clinical practice, where knowledge, skill, ethics, and compassion come together in service of patients and families. Moreover, they inform our engagement with communities, where partnership, trust, and mutual respect are essential to advancing health and well-being.  

So once again, welcome back. Welcome to the community that sees you, supports you, and believes in your ability to make a difference. Let’s begin this year-rooted together.

Warmly,

Donna M. Nickitas, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FNAP, FAAN
Dean and Professor
Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden

SNC Dean's Leadership Circle Members