Mark Tanner, D.N.P., RN, has been appointed as the school’s associate dean of academic affairs. With a background in curriculum development, simulation-based learning, and advancing academic programs, he brings a diversity of experiences to the role. 

“What really attracted me to this role is the fact that it really brings together the student experience from the beginning of the journey in the admissions phase all the way through graduation,” Tanner said. “I have had experience with a lot of the different components covered by the associate dean of academic affairs role in previous positions, but this role really puts it all together and gives the opportunity to influence nursing education in a different way from my work in the classroom.”

Tanner earned his B.S.N., M.N.Sc., and D.N.P. from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), beginning his nursing career in progressive care before transitioning to neuro/neurosurgical and the medical intensive care unit. While working in these clinical settings, he discovered a passion for teaching, which led him to a full-time faculty position at UAMS in 2012. During his time there, he was heavily involved in simulation-based learning, particularly interprofessional simulations, and was recognized for that work with multiple teaching awards.

What really attracted me to this role is the fact that it really brings together the student experience from the beginning of the journey in the admissions phase all the way through graduation. I have had experience with a lot of the different components covered by the associate dean of academic affairs role in previous positions, but this role really puts it all together and gives the opportunity to influence nursing education in a different way from my work in the classroom.

Mark Tanner, D.N.P.
Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

Starting in 2018, as assistant dean of baccalaureate programs at George Washington University, he oversaw a curricular revision and expanded clinical partnerships for the school.

In 2021, Tanner joined the VCU School of Nursing as a clinical associate professor, teaching primarily adult med-surgical/critical care, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and leadership. In recent years, he has been part of the leadership team spearheading the curriculum redesign at the school, aligning it with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials, which aim to standardize and enhance nursing education to better prepare graduates for practice.

Reflecting on his vision for the role, Tanner shared his approach to balancing academic standards with flexibility. “The pandemic sent us into a mode where we had to use technology quickly before we were ready to, but it also allowed us to understand that a lot of things that we traditionally thought were not possible or couldn't have good outcomes in education were in fact possible and could have good outcomes,” he said. “Our new curriculum is designed to use technological resources to help make content delivery more accessible to students and to allow the time spent with faculty to be focused on applying and integrating the knowledge to meet competency. By doing this, we can hopefully achieve the balance of meeting our students’ needs while also helping them to become competent, ready-to-practice nurses.”

As associate dean of academic affairs, Tanner will oversee curriculum development, academic program quality, and student success initiatives, ensuring the school's programs align with accreditation standards and evolving healthcare needs while advancing the school's mission to prepare the next generation of nursing leaders.