–American Sentinel University to focus on
Advanced Degrees for Health Professionals–
Aurora, CO (PRWEB) Dec 17, 2008 – Dr. Catherine Garner will take the reins of American Sentinel University’s healthcare division, officials announced today. In her position as Dean of Health Professions, Dr. Garner will direct all of the health programs from Associate Degrees in Health Information Management to Master’s Degrees in Nursing.
Dr. Garner has a long history in both healthcare and academia and will bring over 20 years of experience to American Sentinel University. Before coming to American Sentinel, she spent two years in the West Indies as Provost of the International University of Nursing, the first offshore school of its kind. Prior to that, Garner spent time in the private sector as a VP for Career Education Corporation and VP for Nashville-based HealthStream Inc.
“As we looked to expand our advanced educational opportunities in the healthcare sector, we searched for the right person to lead our efforts,” says Richard W. Oliver, PhD, CEO of American Sentinel University. “We are thrilled that Catherine accepted this challenge and are confident she will continue building our premier healthcare program at American Sentinel.”
Garner first started in private sector education as the Dean of College of Health Sciences and Nursing for the University of Phoenix. During this time she oversaw some 35 ground campuses and an online nursing program with over 6,000 students and 300 faculty members. While there, she started Masters and Doctoral programs in Health Administration and founded the University’s Institutional Review Board.
Dr. Garner received her DrPH in Health Policy and Administration from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, a MSN and BSN in Nursing from Vanderbilt University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Tennessee/Tennessee State.
“I see huge potential to fill a need in online education, and I’m excited to build programs from the ground up that expand upon American Sentinel’s model of quality and relevant training, particularly in clinical information systems and quality improvement processes,” says Catherine Garner, Dean of Health Professions at American Sentinel.
Dr. Garner has been recognized for her work in the Healthcare Industry with numerous honors and awards. Most recently, she was named a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Executive Nurse Fellow as well as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Vanderbilt University has honored her with the Alumni Award for Excellence and Leadership in International Healthcare. The University of Missouri-Kansas City has also recognized her with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence for National Leadership in Healthcare.
About American Sentinel University
Founded as a Vanderbilt University Technology Company, American Sentinel University delivers to their students the competitive advantages of unique online education programs focused on the needs of high-growth sectors. The university is accredited by the U.S. Secretary of Education-the recognized Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council. The nursing programs are in the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation process with a site visit planned for March, 2009. For more information, visit www.americansentinel.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Fulton
(615) 254-0575
