The University of West Georgia has named Dr. Imelda Reyes, a nursing education leader and nurse practitioner with 25 years of nursing experience, as dean of the Tanner Health System School of Nursing (THSSON) following a national search. 

Most recently serving as interim dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Reyes will assume the role at UWG on Jan. 2 to support the university’s mission of fulfilling talent pipeline needs, championing student success and building on the university's commitment to innovation in healthcare education. 

“Dr. Reyes’ dedication to advancing healthcare education and her collaborative spirit align well with UWG’s mission to help students cross the finish line to graduation and move on to wonderful careers,” said Dr. Ashwani Monga, UWG’s interim president. “Her leadership will be instrumental in equipping our nursing students with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact within the healthcare systems they will serve.” 

As dean of THSSON, Reyes will build upon the strengths of the school's academic programs, lead robust student-centric experiences, expand research and scholarly achievements and engage the internal and external university community. 

“I am honored to join the University of West Georgia and Tanner Health System School of Nursing and to be a part of the development of our next generation of nurses,” Reyes said. “Returning to Georgia to help in the development of future registered nurses, nurse educators and administrators and expanding the workforce is truly a privilege.” 

Reyes will lead the school’s faculty and staff to promote the tradition of excellence in teaching and student success in THSSON; supervise and develop innovative academic programming within the school with an emphasis on experiential learning; and expand research, scholarship and external funding. 

“Dr. Reyes is a collaborative leader who will support the Tanner Health System School of Nursing’s mission to provide students with excellent academic experiences in a caring environment,” Preston said. “Her talent, commitment and enthusiasm will serve our students – and business and community partners – well, and I look forward to working alongside her as she leads the school to new heights.” 

Preston expressed gratitude to the nine-member search committee, as well as UWG faculty and staff – led by Dr. Chris Johnson, dean of UWG’s Richards College of Business – who conducted the nationwide search that resulted in Reyes' appointment. 

Reyes earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Michigan University, followed by master’s degrees from the University of Michigan and Emory University and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Vanderbilt University. A nurse since 1999, Reyes has served in several leadership roles both in the healthcare field and higher education, including a professor, program director, associate dean and, since from July 2023 until September 2024, interim dean. 

THSSON is home to 34 faculty, 25 part-time faculty and 15 staff and serves over 400 undergraduate and over 100 graduate students. Organized into three main areas, with associate/assistant deans leading in graduate education, undergraduate education, and experiential learning, the school is focused on advancing its statewide and national reputation for being the best partner for healthcare systems. 

The Tanner Health System School of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-Licensure), an RN-BSN (RN to Bachelor's) program, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Doctorate in Nursing Education. These programs support face to face (BSN) and fully online (BSNC and graduate) students, preparing the clinicians, leaders, researchers, and educators to meet the health care needs of society for years to come. 

“I look forward to collaborating and helping to meet the needs of our community in an innovative way while maintaining the excellent reputation of the Tanner Health System School of Nursing,” Reyes said.