Key Takeaways
- Bethany Cieslowski has been appointed senior director of academic programs for George Mason University's School of Nursing, effective August 25, 2026, and will serve as interim divisional dean beginning September 7 while a national search for a permanent dean is underway.
- A longtime George Mason faculty leader, Cieslowski brings extensive experience in nursing education, curriculum innovation, simulation and immersive learning, and student success, and will oversee all School of Nursing academic programs and key areas including accreditation, assessment, and academic planning.
- The leadership transition builds on the work of Acting Divisional Dean Karen Drenkard, who will continue supporting the school in a consulting role, with both leaders partnering to ensure continuity and support for students, faculty, and staff.
In This Story
The College of Public Health has appointed Bethany Cieslowski, DNP, PMHNP-BC, CHSE, as senior director of academic programs for the School of Nursing, effective August 25, 2026. Cieslowski will also serve as interim divisional dean beginning September 7, 2026, while the college completes a national search for the school's permanent divisional dean.
A seasoned faculty leader at George Mason, Cieslowski has extensive experience in nursing education, academic innovation, and student success. In her new role, she will oversee the School of Nursing's academic programs, including the BSN, ABSN, RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs, while helping guide the school through a period of continued growth and strategic development.
"Dr. Cieslowski has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to the success of our students and faculty," said Melissa Perry, dean of the College of Public Health. "Her experience advancing academic excellence, curriculum innovation, and immersive learning makes her uniquely qualified to help lead the School of Nursing during this important transition."
As previous BSN division director and lead for immersive technologies, Cieslowski played a key role in advancing the school's prelicensure programs and implementing the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) curriculum mapping. She has led efforts to expand simulation and immersive learning opportunities across the college while supporting curriculum development and faculty excellence.
A nationally engaged nurse educator and scholar, Cieslowski has maintained an active program of research and professional service. Her contributions to the university have been recognized with George Mason's Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence.
As Senior Director of Academic Programs, Cieslowski will provide leadership for curriculum, assessment, accreditation, and academic planning across the School of Nursing. She will work closely with faculty, program directors, and college leadership to strengthen educational quality, support faculty success, and monitor key student outcomes, including enrollment, progression, graduation, licensure, and certification.
Cieslowski earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Duke University, a Master of Arts in Biomedical Informatics from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia. She also completed a postgraduate certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Duke University.
The appointment follows the service of Karen Drenkard, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, who has served as Acting Divisional Dean since March 2026. During her tenure, Drenkard helped advance initiatives focused on NCLEX performance, curriculum development, organizational planning, and the school's long-term growth strategy. Drenkard will continue supporting the school in a consulting capacity during the leadership transition.
Cieslowski and Drenkard will work closely together to ensure continuity for the school's students, faculty, and staff as the search for a permanent divisional dean continues.