Debra Simons

Prior to coming to Manhattanville, Simons served as the Dean of the School of Nursing and Healthcare Professions at the College of New Rochelle. Her leadership influenced the College of New Rochelle School of Nursing and Healthcare Professions to receiving the first in the country academic affiliation with the Watson Caring Science Institute. Her experience in creating clinical simulation environments for several academic intuitions including Norwalk Community College and the University of Connecticut, allowed for the expansion of this active learning strategy and the development of a “hospital like” environment for the students. Before the College of New Rochelle, Simons served as the Director of the University of Connecticut second degree accelerated program expanding a campus. In addition, she was a tenured professor of nursing at Norwalk Community College.