The following letter was sent to the School of Nursing faculty, staff, students and alumni by Dean Jairath:

Dear Members of the SON Community:

I know that you will join me in congratulating our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Patricia McMullen on her promotion to the position of Associate Provost for Administration, The Catholic University of America, effective May 1, 2008. In this position, Pat will have broad responsibilities in the administration of the academic affairs division and will assist Dr. Brennan in various projects as part of her academic portfolio.

When Dr. Brennan spoke with me of his intention to approach Pat about this position, he indicated that throughout the University Community, her name was consistently mentioned for a senior leadership position. Pat was identified for her competence, intelligence, skill in communication, collegiality, and caring nature. The Provost had first hand opportunity to see Pat in action last May and to see her integrity, her forthrightness, and her loyalty as well as the other qualities noted above.

The University is extremely lucky that Pat decided to join the senior level administrative team. We in turn are fortunate to have such an able advocate who understands the importance and centrality of the School of Nursing to the University mission and identity as well as the specific issues faced by the professional schools of the University. We are also fortunate that Pat will continue as a tenured, faculty member of the School with full rights of participation.

I note that Dr. Brennan has also acknowledged the imperatives of individuals in "practice" professions. He has supported Pat's efforts to maintain her clinical practice requirements for continued certification by recognizing the principle of regular, practice days, despite her administrative position and has encouraged her to continue to develop her professional relationships in nursing and in law.

Pat will relinquish her positions as Associate Dean. The SON will actively seek an external replacement for this administrative position and I ask your support in all matters related to recruitment for this position. I have started the informal process of soliciting inquiries from faculty at other nursing programs who may be interested in an administrative position at Catholic University. The position will continue to be conceptualized as a faculty position with an administrative component.

Finally, on a more personal note, please know how much I value and appreciate Pat. She has been a wonderful friend, colleague and wise advisor. Having never seen the School of Nursing without her presence, I and others will feel her absence and know that someone precious is moving beyond us. However, no one can begrudge the good things that come to those we care about. I also know that change is necessary and unavoidable. Finally, I know that we now have an opportunity to recruit another wonderful individual who, like Pat, will also prove to be unique and valued and who can move the SON forward in different ways precisely because she or he brings a new perspective and impels us to change in marvelous albeit sometimes difficult ways.

With warm wishes,

Nalini Jairath RN PhD,

Dean, School of Nursing