Founding Dean of the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing, Dr. Poldi Tschirch, retired this fall after an incredible tenure. When UST began working toward reopening a nursing school on our campus, Dean Tschirch was a pivotal figure in crafting a new curriculum, securing proper certifications and accreditations, and in rallying philanthropic support for the critically-needed program. What began as a 28-student undergraduate major has become one of the fastest-growing programs serving more than 500 students, with graduate and post-graduate degree offerings as well as an Accelerated BSN program offered at our new north campus in Shenandoah, Texas.  

“I did not realize when I arrived in July 2009 that my work at UST would prove to be the most important I would ever do but I know it now. I have had the great honor and privilege of watching the most amazing nursing faculty and staff a dean could ever have reveal God’s healing presence in the world every day. It has been my good fortune to be the right person in the right place at the right time to bring the Peavy School of Nursing back to life,” said Tschirch.

UST remains grateful for Dean Tschirch’s work to enhance the education of UST nursing students over the last 12 years, and we are excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Peavy School of Nursing this academic year. To commemorate her illustrious career, September 30^th was declared Poldi Tschirch Day by the office of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The University will initiate a national search for an Executive Dean for the Peavy School of Nursing, a role intended to provide strategic leadership. In the interim, Dr. Claudine Dufrene will serve as Peavy School of Nursing Division Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Dr. Lucindra Campbell-Law will serve as Division Dean for Graduate Programs.

For more information about the Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing, please contact Matt Perkins at perkinmr@stthom.edu.