STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University has named Dr. Donalyn Alexander Dean of the School of Nursing, effective Aug. 18.
Dr. Alexander enters her new role at Tarleton State after leading the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing as Dean since 2019. The program was part of a consortium of McMurry University and Hardin-Simmons University until earlier this year.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Donalyn Alexander to lead our School of Nursing,” said Dr. Elizabeth Palmarozzi, Vice President for the Division of Health Sciences. “With over 30 years of experience in healthcare education and service, she is a fantastic choice to build on the strategic vision of our nursing program. Her professional partnerships and years of dedication will greatly benefit the student experience at Tarleton State.”
During her leadership time at the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, Dr. Alexander guided the nursing program through a historic period that was highlighted by a perfect 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam in 2020. Dating back to 2019, the university has had 90% of first-time test takers pass the exam, well above the state requirement of 80%.
Before leading the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, Dr. Alexander spent nearly two decades in the Department of Education and Professional Development at Hendrick Health in Abilene. She has also served as a clinical nurse, clinical instructor, program director and a professor of nursing during her career.
“I am honored to be chosen as Tarleton State University’s Dean of the School of Nursing,” said Dr. Alexander. “Tarleton State’s strong commitment to excellence in education and its vision for advancing the future of healthcare deeply resonate with my personal values as a healthcare provider. I look forward to supporting faculty, empowering students and working collaboratively to develop the next generation of compassionate, skilled nursing professionals who will make a lasting impact across Texas and beyond.”
Dr. Alexander earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in healthcare administration from Oklahoma City University and holds a master’s degree in nursing education from Abilene Christian University. Her bachelor’s degree in nursing is from the University of Central Oklahoma, where she graduated magna cum laude.
