Last week, Valerie Howard, the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, informed the university of some administrative changes being made within the School of Nursing and Health Sciences Department of Nursing (SNHS).

The former department head, Dr. Lisa Locasto, has stepped down from her role, paving the way for other faculty members to run the department. Dr. Nadine Englert will now serve as Interim Department Head for Nursing and Dr. Katrina Pyo will serve as the Interim Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program Director. These changes are not made routinely. The new positions were a chain reaction due to some of the higher administrative changes made within the department earlier this year.

“I think our entire team is dedicated. We are all focused. I think we all want the best for the program and for our students. I’m excited to be a part of that and have more of a leadership role, so that I can help to forge the path. Help to lead the students, as well as the faculty, into the future,” said Pyo.

Locasto has been a part of the nursing faculty for almost ten years and has served as the Department Head since 2008. Both the undergraduate and graduate nursing programs have benefited from her guidance. Locasto helped to expand clinical opportunities at well-respected facilities such as Children’s Hospital. She has also worked hard to recruit an academically strong student body for the undergraduate nursing program.

Englert joined the Robert Morris faculty in 2006 and served as the BSN program director for the Spring 2013 semester. She received her PhD from the University of Pittsburgh School of  Education: Social and Comparative Analysis in 2009, with her dissertation topic focusing upon predictors of NCLEX success for non-traditional students.

As a leader among the faculty, Englert has coordinated and taught courses across the curriculum, focusing on helping her students by providing a rich learning environment.

Pyo is starting her sixth year as a faculty member at Robert Morris. She has chaired many school committees, including Co-Chair of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and Co-Chair of the Academic Progression Committee. She received her BSN and MSN degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She earned her PhD from the RMU School of Education Instructional Management and Leadership Program.

Pyo will continue to teach a number of undergraduate courses throughout the year and is still in practice as a registered nurse at the Allegheny General Hospital Trauma Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“I like it personally because it keeps me in tune with the students, and keeps me up-to-date with practice. As an administrator, its very important to be involved with your program,” said Pyo.

Each new administrator will play a vital role in mentoring faculty, staff, and students. Both Englert and Pyo will be responsible for a well informed staff  in order to keep the SNHS running smoothly.

“I am confident that Nadine and Katrina will add to the wisdom and experience of the SNHS Leadership team. Please join me in congratulating both on their new appointments,” said Howard.