Dean's Office
Letter from the Dean
Welcome to the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences!
There has never been a more exciting, or more consequential, time to enter the health professions. Healthcare is evolving rapidly, shaped by new technologies, changing patient needs and a growing emphasis on collaboration. As Dean, I believe our responsibility is not simply to prepare students for healthcare professions as they exist today, but to also give students the knowledge, skills and confidence to help shape what comes next.
That commitment is reflected throughout the Iona experience. Our students learn from expert faculty who bring academic expertise and real-world experience into the classroom, along with a genuine dedication to teaching and mentorship. Through innovative, hands-on learning, students are challenged to think critically, solve problems and grow into compassionate, confident professionals. We are also looking ahead to how technology is transforming the health professions. We have introduced artificial intelligence (AI) into our curriculum so students can learn to engage with emerging tools thoughtfully and responsibly, while never losing sight of the human connection at the heart of exceptional care.
Just as important is our commitment to interprofessional education (IPE). Healthcare is a team endeavor, and we create opportunities for students across our health disciplines to learn with and from one another. By understanding different perspectives and learning to collaborate across specialties, our students are better prepared for the realities of modern healthcare practice.
Our facilities bring this education to life. The Kelly Center for Health Sciences features advanced simulation technology and collaborative learning spaces where students can practice skills, work through realistic scenarios and build confidence. Beyond campus, our partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian provides opportunities for clinical placements that connect classroom learning with real-world experience. Our location in Bronxville offers the best of both worlds: a close-knit university community just outside New York City and access to one of the most dynamic and diverse healthcare regions in the world.
What excites me most is the community we have built, the curiosity of our students, the dedication of our faculty and the shared sense of purpose that comes from preparing professionals whose work will make a difference in the lives of others.
I invite you to explore the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences and discover the innovative learning, collaboration and sense of community that define the Iona experience. Whether you are preparing to begin your journey in the health professions or take the next step in your career, I am delighted that you are here.
Welcome to the NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences!
Kavita R. Dhanwada, Ph.D.
Founding Dean
NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences