Courtney Quast
The Orvis School of Nursing has appointed Alexa Curtis as the associate dean of research and innovation and the Arthur Emerton Orvis Endowed Chair.
“On behalf of the entire team at the Orvis School of Nursing, we are so excited to welcome Dr. Alexa Curtis to our fantastic team,” Interim Dean Cameron Duncan ’10 (nursing) said. “Her expertise and experience will be instrumental in moving the school forward, while guiding us to meeting our research and innovation strategic goals.”
Curtis started her new role on Jan. 1. “I am most excited about working with the Orvis faculty to support and promote their nursing scholarships in collaboration with interdisciplinary colleagues within the University,” she said. “I come to this role with many positive experiences in interdisciplinary work and look forward to facilitating further possibilities.”
Before joining the nursing school, Curtis spent 10 years at the University of San Francisco as director of the nurse practitioner programs and associate dean. She received her undergraduate degree in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, where she was a proud member of the women’s volleyball team. She also earned a master’s degree in nursing from the University of San Diego and a Ph.D. in nursing from the University of California, San Francisco, where her dissertation examined opportunities and barriers to confidential health services for youth in rural communities.
Currently, Curtis is advancing her research on systems of health care delivery for underserved populations focusing on youth, rural communities, and the prevention and management of substance use disorders. She also provides workforce development opportunities to help providers meet the health care needs of diverse communities.
As a longtime resident in nearby Nevada County, Curtis is very familiar with University and the Orvis School of Nursing, and is impressed with their work and commitment to the nursing profession. “I am excited by the opportunities working in an R1 Research Institution provides as it relates to furthering the nursing profession, workforce development and the care of communities.”
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