Department Vice Chair to Serve as Leader of Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education Board of Review

July 9, 2021 – Dr. Debora Dole, vice chair of the Department of Advanced Nursing Practice at the School of Nursing & Health Studies, will serve as chair of the Board of Review of the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education.

“Effective August 1, 2021, Dr. Dole will lead our efforts to provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance over the accreditation process,” the organization announced. “With nearly 30 years of midwifery clinical and academic experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge, skills, and abilities to the position.”

The U.S. Department of Education has recognized the commission “as a nationally recognized programmatic accrediting agency for nurse-midwifery and midwifery education programs” for close to 40 years, according to its website.

“Dr. Dole has served in the roles of faculty, program director, and department administrator,” the commission continued. “She brings extensive expertise in accreditation processes, curriculum development in all formats and evaluation of student learning. . . . She is an experienced leader with proven abilities to promote operational excellence and inclusive decision-making.”

Dole, who is a fellow of the American College of Nurse-Midwives, said she is looking forward to the new opportunity.

“I am honored to be of service to midwifery education across the United States through this role as chair of the Board of Review in the accreditation of midwifery education programs,” she said. “I believe increasing access to midwifery care lies in supporting accessible, academically sound, and sustainable midwifery educational programs that prepare students to serve their communities through practice, advocacy, and service to the profession.”

By Bill Cessato