Graceland University School of Nursing Appointments

Graceland University is pleased to announce that Dr. Sharon Little-Stoetzel will be appointed dean of the School of Nursing, effective June 1. Little-Stoetzel earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Truman State University (formerly NE MO State) in 1984, a master’s degree in nursing at the University of Missouri in 1991, and a PhD in nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.

Except for a three-year hiatus in 2009, Little-Stoetzel has been teaching in the Graceland undergraduate and graduate nursing programs since 1998 and has served as associate dean for undergraduate programs since 2013. She is dedicated to Graceland’s core values: learning, wholeness and community.

Vice President of the Independence Campus, Dr. Claudia Horton, stated, “We were fortunate to have such a qualified and talented candidate ready to step in to the dean position. Sharon brings a wealth of knowledge about the School of Nursing and the university as a whole. She has served on numerous university committees and collaborates with colleagues on both campuses. Her philosophy of transformational leadership will enhance the growth of faculty, staff and students.”

In her acceptance, Little-Stoetzel stated, “I have been so fortunate to be able to work with so many talented and impressive colleagues within the School of Nursing, and I’m deeply honored to continue doing so as the dean. The School of Nursing has historically been one of the strongest areas of Graceland’s tradition; supporting the framework for Graceland’s mission. It will be exciting to step forward and continue that mission as dean.”

In addition, Dr. Jolene Lynn has accepted the position of Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, effective June 1. Graduating from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Lynn has been a Registered Nurse for 35 years. For 19 years, Lynn has been a nurse educator, teaching five years at Johnson County Community College and 12 years at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC). Her practice experience includes emergency, day surgery and wound care.

Serving as the BSN Program Director at UMKC for over nine years, Lynn completed her Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator at UMKC and her Doctor of Philosophy, Nursing at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis.

“I am honored and excited to step in to this new appointment and look forward to serving Graceland’s School of Nursing along with Dr. Little-Stoetzel in this new capacity,” stated Lynn in her acceptance.