Senior Leadership Team
The University of Rochester School of Nursing is guided and directed by a team of accomplished and inspiring leaders who embody our historic mission of unifying nursing education, practice, and research.
Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN
Dean, University of Rochester School of Nursing
Independence Foundation Chair in Nursing Education
Vice President, University of Rochester Medical Center
Professor of Nursing & Geriatric Medicine
An accomplished scholar, researcher, educator, and clinician, Lisa Kitko, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN, was appointed the sixth dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing, professor of nursing and geriatric medicine, Independence Foundation Chair in Nursing Education, and vice president of the University of Rochester Medical Center in September 2022. She previously served as the associate dean for graduate education and director of the PhD program at the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing at Penn State University. She has extensive clinical research experience with the palliative care needs of persons living with complex chronic conditions and their family caregivers, especially in the context of advanced heart failure.
Contact the Dean's Office
(585) 275-8902
Daina Druzynski, Executive Assistant to Dean Lisa A. Kitko
Sally Norton, PhD, RN, FNAP, FPCN, FAAN
Senior Associate Dean for Research
Professor
Sally Norton, PhD, RN, FNAP, FPCN, FAAN, a longtime faculty member at the School and a nationally-recognized expert in palliative care research, served as associate dean for research from 2019 to 2024. Over the past five years, Norton has significantly advanced the School’s research mission, supporting faculty and students, and enhancing the School’s areas of research excellence. In her role as senior associate dean for research, Norton will continue this work as well as oversee the PhD in Nursing & Health Science program to continue fostering research growth and mentorship within the School.
(585) 275-9814
Sally_Norton@urmc.rochester.edu
Renu Singh, MS
CEO, UR Medicine Employee Wellness
Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing
With 25 years of leadership experience in healthcare program design and implementation, finance, and operations, Renu Singh, MS, has a passion for wellness which has led to the development of the school's evidence-based wellness program, where she also currently serves as CEO.
(585) 275-2830
Renu_Singh@urmc.rochester.edu
Lisa Brophy, EdD, RN, MSBA, CNE
Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing
Lisa Brophy, EdD, RN, MSBA, CNE, associate professor of clinical nursing, is the interim associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Rochester School of Nursing. In this expanded role, Brophy oversees both undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as the School's simulation team. Prior to this appointment, Brophy served as the associate dean for undergraduate education, assistant dean for education, and co-director of the accelerated nursing programs. With more than 30 years' experience in nursing practice, education, and leadership, Brophy is recognized for her commitment to academic excellence and student success. She earned her doctorate in higher education leadership from the University of Rochester Warner School of Education.
(585) 273-2535
Lisa_Brophy@urmc.rochester.edu
Carla DeLucia, EdD
Associate Dean for Academic and Student Success
Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing
Carla DeLucia, EdD, assistant professor of clinical nursing, serves as the associate dean for enrollment management and student affairs at the University of Rochester School of Nursing. In her role, DeLucia oversees the admissions and student affairs offices, spearheading initiatives to strengthen the School’s recruitment and admissions efforts, adapt to market demands, and support student needs. With more than 17 years of experience in higher education administration, DeLucia brings significant expertise in predictive analytics and student financial services to the role. She earned her doctorate in higher education administration from Northeastern University.
(585) 275-8408
Carla_DeLucia@urmc.rochester.edu
John Eaves, MBA
Associate Dean for Operations & Finance
John Eaves, MBA serves as the associate dean for operations and finance at the University of Rochester School of Nursing. In his role, Eaves provides oversight on the School's financial and operational strategy, as well as its administrative functions, including finance, IT, personnel, and communications. Prior to this appointment, Eaves served as the School’s chief financial officer, overseeing financial reporting and budgeting across the School’s education, research, practice, and administrative missions. A finance leader with more than 10 years’ experience at the University, Eaves earned his bachelor’s in corporate finance and political science from St. John Fisher College and his master’s in business administration from the University of Rochester Simon Business School.
(585) 275-8842
John_Eaves@urmc.rochester.edu
E. Kate Valcin, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CNL, FCCM
Chief Nursing Executive, University of Rochester Medical Center
Assistant Dean of Clinical Practice, University of Rochester School of Nursing
Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing
E. Kate Valcin, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CNL, FCCM currently serves as the chief nursing executive (CNE) for the University of Rochester Medical Center. In her role, she oversees all nursing operations at URMC, convenes system-wide chief nursing officers in information sharing, and strengthens collaboration across disciplines. She also serves as assistant dean of clinical practice in the School of Nursing, continuing to bridge clinical care and education. Valcin is a preceptor and educator at the School of Nursing. In 2023, she received national recognition as a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine, an honor typically bestowed upon physicians. She is also the current president of the New York Organization for Nursing Leadership (NYONL).