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Eathington Named Interim Chair of the WIU School of Nursing

June 30, 2023

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MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University Associate Professor Patricia Eathington has been named the interim chair of the School of Nursing, effective Saturday, July 1.

Eathington began teaching at WIU in 2009 as an instructor in the pre-licensure program and RN/BSN completion program. She has taught numerous classes at WIU, including Nursing in the Community, Transcultural Nursing, Rural Nursing and Public Health Nursing. She has also served on numerous committees in the School of Nursing and within the University.

Eathington has also served as an adjunct professor with the Simmons School of Nursing and Health Science in Boston, MA, from 2016-20; an instructor at the Graham Hospital School of Nursing in Canton, IL from 2002-09; a research assistant at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Peoria Regional Program from 1999-2002; and a staff nurse at Methodist Medical Center of Illinois in Peoria from 1998-2002.

"I'm really excited to be the interim director of the School of Nursing," Eathington said. "The School of Nursing has a great reputation for educating competent nurses, and our graduates have an outstanding pass rate on their national licensure exam. It is my goal to continue the success of the School of Nursing."

Eathington received her bachelor's degree in Nursing; her master's degree in Nursing; a post master's certificate in Nursing Education; and her doctoral degree in Nursing Practice, all from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

WIU College of Arts and Sciences Dean Susan Martinelli-Fernandez said Eathington has been a wonderful asset to the School of Nursing.

"In addition to a superb teaching record, she has received numerous grants for rural education, often having our students discuss health education topics at rural food banks and health departments," said Martinelli-Fernandez. "Dr. Eathington is a role model for an active, engaged, and professional colleague. In her own words, 'I am proud to be a part of the team that is preparing the next great generation of nurses to enter the nursing profession.' Nursing will be in good hands under her leadership."

For more information about WIU's School of Nursing, visit wiu.edu/nursing.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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