Fayetteville State University has named Christy Swinson, DNP, as the new associate dean of the School of Nursing, effective immediately. Swinson has served in the role on an interim basis since December 2025. In her new permanent capacity, she provides academic and administrative oversight for the university’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.

Swinson takes the post as North Carolina universities face increasing pressure to produce highly trained clinical professionals to fill a statewide nursing shortage. Her expertise in strategic program expansion will be instrumental in addressing these workforce gaps.

“Dr. Swinson is a forward-thinking leader who is well-positioned to guide the School of Nursing through an exciting period of program expansion,” said Erin N. White, Ph.D., dean of the Lloyd College of Health, Science and Technology, in a press release. “Her leadership comes at a critical time as both the state and the nation are prioritizing nursing preparation, particularly in strengthening the healthcare workforce in rural communities.”

Swinson began her FSU career in 2014 as an adjunct lecturer. She later advanced to full-time faculty and earned tenure as an associate professor, focusing on adult health and culturally competent care. During this time, she guided pre-licensure students to National Council Licensure Examination pass rates that consistently surpassed the national average.

Her administrative impact grew in August 2025 when she was named assistant dean. In this position, she directed student success programming, clinical placement strategy, and accreditation compliance. With her subsequent promotion to associate dean, her responsibilities now include program assessment, faculty coordination, regulatory alignment and budget oversight.

In addition to her administrative work, Swinson is a researcher who bridges the gap between clinical practice and education. Her research achievements include securing competitive grant funding as a principal investigator and publishing in scholarly outlets such as the Journal of Obesity Management and the Journal of Obesity and Weight Loss Therapy.

Swinson started her career as a staff and charge nurse at Cape Fear Valley Health System. She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing and a Master of Science in nursing education from East Carolina University. Following her education, she taught at Fayetteville Technical Community College, where she developed instructional strategies for geriatrics, pediatrics and community health. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in nursing leadership from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.