Linda A. McCauley will retire as dean of Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at the end of 2025, concluding a 16-year tenure that saw significant growth and national recognition for the school. She will remain on the faculty to continue her research and work on health care initiatives.
“To put it simply, Linda McCauley transformed the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing into the finest nursing school in the country,” said Emory President Gregory L. Fenves. “As dean, she has empowered nursing faculty to develop as innovators and prepared students to enter their profession fully ready to serve patients and communities. Her contributions to the field of nursing are unparalleled, and she will be known for elevating the school to extraordinary heights.”
McCauley became dean and professor at Emory’s School of Nursing in May 2009. During her leadership, enrollment increased from 475 to over 1,400 students, with graduates consistently surpassing state and national averages on licensure exams. The school achieved top rankings for both graduate and undergraduate nursing education.
She led development of several academic programs including Doctor of Nursing Practice (2014), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (2017), InEmory (2019), Master of Nursing (2020), Psychiatric Mental Health DNP (2021), Cardiovascular Perfusion Science (2022), and a PhD in Nursing Data Science and Analytics (2024).
“Linda McCauley’s visionary leadership has propelled Emory’s nursing school to prominence on the national and global stage,” said Lanny Liebeskind, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Emory University. “She has brought to her role an entrepreneurial, strategic mindset as well as a deep sense of purpose, making lasting impacts on both the school and her field. Her unwavering commitment to excellence in education, groundbreaking research and policy advocacy has shaped the future of nursing and improved countless lives.”
Joon Lee, executive vice president for health affairs at Emory University, also commented: “Dean Linda McCauley has been a transformative leader whose visionary stewardship has elevated Emory’s tripartite mission — advancing academic excellence, pioneering innovative research and deepening our commitment to service. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of our institution and felt across the globe through the work of our nursing alumni who care for millions of patients. Linda’s unwavering dedication to health equity and her strategic foresight have not only shaped the present but laid a powerful foundation for the future of nursing education and practice. We celebrate her extraordinary contributions with deep gratitude and look ahead with confidence, inspired by the path she has charted.”
A search for McCauley’s successor will begin later this year; interim leadership plans are expected this fall.
Research funding grew substantially during McCauley’s tenure; in 2010, NIH awards totaled under $2 million with a ranking at 38th nationally among schools according to Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research data https://www.brimr.org/NIH_Awards/2024/NIH_Awards_2024.htm . As of FY24 reporting, Emory ranks third nationally among U.S. nursing schools with more than $18 million in NIH funding.
The school added over 100 new faculty members specializing in areas such as aging, brain health, oncology, pain management, women’s health, cardiovascular care, climate-related health issues as well as data science.
McCauley secured philanthropic support establishing centers such as those focused on data science; memory care; palliative care; workforce development; along with millions in scholarships for students.
In 2022 under her guidance Emory opened its Nursing Learning Center featuring more than 80,000 square feet dedicated to simulation-based learning—now providing over 6,700 hours annually—which significantly expanded student training opportunities.
She fostered partnerships between Emory Nursing School and Emory Healthcare aimed at integrating evidence-based practices within clinical settings—a model recognized by organizations such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing .
McCauley also broadened global engagement through programs like launching Ethiopia’s first PhD in Nursing Program via collaboration with Addis Ababa University.
Her academic background includes degrees from University of North Carolina (BSN), Emory University (MSN) earned in 1979 ,and University of Cincinnati (PhD). Since 1985 she maintained continuous research funding exceeding $58 million; authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications; contributed expertise frequently cited by outlets such as The New York Times or NPR.
Recognized widely within her field,she is an elected fellow or honorary fellow within organizations including National Academy of Medicine,the American Academy Of Nursing,and Royal College Of Nursing.Her honors include induction into Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall Of Fame plus receipt Of Ada Sue Hinshaw Nurse Scholar Award And David Rall Medal From National Academy Of Medicine
“Leading the School of Nursing alongside its extraordinary faculty,s cientists ,staff,and students has truly been journeyofalifetime,” said McCauley.“I am deeply proudtohaveserved asthe school’s sixth dean,and Iam confidentour remarkablefacultyand staff—togetherwithEmor y’sleadershipandourdevotedalumni—willensurethatthenextdeancontinuestopreparevisionarynurseleadersandgroundbreakingscientists.AsaproudalumoftheNellHodgsonWoodruffSchoolofNursing,Ilookforwardtowatchingitsreputationandimpactcontinuetogrow.”
