PHILADELPHIA --- Neville E. Strumpf, Ph.D., R.N., the Edith Clemmer Steinbright Professor in Gerontology and Director of the Center for Gerontologic Nursing Science at the University of Pennsylvania, has been named interim dean of Penn's School of Nursing, effective Sept. 1, according to an announcement today (June 7) by President Judith Rodin and Provost Robert Barchi.

"We are delighted that an academician of Dr. Strumpf's stature has agreed to take on the role of interim dean of the School of Nursing," Dr. Rodin said. "Dr. Strumpf's impressive history of combining teaching with administrative responsibilities and research makes her the ideal candidate to lead the school through this important transition."

Dr. Strumpf will replace Norma Lang, Ph.D., R.N., the Margaret Bond Simon Dean and Professor of Nursing, who will step down this summer to devote her time to teaching and research.

"The school has an exciting future as it continues to build on its considerable strengths as a national and international leader in nursing research, education and practice. I am committed to forwarding this," said Dr. Strumpf.

"I am pleased that Dr. Strumpf will apply her considerable talents to the leadership and stewardship of the School of Nursing," said Dr. Barchi. Dr. Lang, who will remain as dean through August 31, added that "leaving the school in such capable hands makes the decision to return to my own pursuits that much easier."

Dr. Strumpf joined the School of Nursing faculty in 1982 as an assistant professor. She became director of the Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program in 1985, and it has been named first nationally among gerontology programs in U.S. News & World Report rankings in 1998 and for 2001. She also was responsible for the implementation of a much-emulated approach to the integration of gerontology into the undergraduate curriculum.

A leader of long-standing within the School, Dr. Strumpf is known for her teaching expertise at all levels -- undergraduate, masters and doctoral -- as well as for serving as the School of Nursing division chair for Adult Health and Illness from 1993 to 1996.

"I have enjoyed a wide range of teaching experiences ranging from Freshmen Seminars on 'Images of Aging in Literature' to directing one of three post-doctoral fellowship programs in the School of Nursing," said Dr. Strumpf. In 1985, she received the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching.

She also has served on numerous University-wide committees, including those on student affairs and safety and security, and Faculty Senate committees on publication policy for Almanac and on students and educational policy.

Dr. Strumpf is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Institute on Aging.

Dr. Strumpf is a widely acclaimed researcher, best known for work with her colleague, Lois Evans, D.N.Sc., R.N., Viola MacInnes/Independence Professor in Nursing. Their breakthrough research led to a reduction in the use of restraints for frail older people in hospitals and nursing homes throughout the nation. Drs. Strumpf and Evans conducted the only clinical trial funded by the National Institute on Aging aimed at reducing physical restraints used in nursing homes.

She received (with Dr. Evans and Doris Schwartz) the Maes-MacInnes Award (1992) for a contribution of singular impact on the nursing profession; was selected (with Dr. Evans) as the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society in Nursing's Cameo Researcher (1994); and received (with Dr. Evans) the Sigma Theta Tau International Baxter Foundation Episteme Award (1995), nursing most prestigious research recognition.

Dr. Strumpf is directing a three-year project funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to implement a model of palliative care in nursing homes.

Dr. Strumpf has received numerous honors for her contributions to the field of gerontology, including selection as the American Nurses Association Gerontological Nurse of the Year (1994), the Pennsylvania NursesAssociation Nursing Education Award (1987) and the Distinguished Alumna Award (1996) from New York University.

She is the author or co-author of more than 100 articles, book chapters and books.

Dr. Strumpf received a bachelor's degree in nursing from the State University of New York in 1969 and a master's degree in nursing from Russell Sage College in 1973. She received a Ph.D., in nursing from New York University in 1982.