AdventHealth Dean of Nursing brings more than 30 years of experience to Polk State

Between the clinical and academic settings, Dr. Deleise Wilson arrives at Polk State College with more than three decades of nursing experience.

Wilson, the College’s first AdventHealth Dean of Nursing at Polk State, began her tenure in early July. Prior to her arrival, Wilson spent two years as Senior Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs at the University of South Florida’s College of Nursing. Wilson previously served for five years as Director of Nursing at Kettering College in Ohio.

“This was a great opportunity to engage in my area of specialty,” Wilson said. “I have a passion for helping launch students into their desired field of nursing. Joining the team here at Polk State was a great decision.”

The Dean of Nursing position is endowed by AdventHealth, a nonprofit healthcare system with hundreds of hospital campuses and care sites throughout nine U.S. states. This past fall, AdventHealth contributed $1.7 million to the Polk State College Foundation to endow the position and enhance the College’s Nursing Program.

“Polk State College is grateful for AdventHealth’s partnership and investment in our Nursing Program,” said Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, President of Polk State College. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Wilson who will provide critical support for our growing program, which is a direct response to the growing need for highly skilled nurses in our community.”

Born in Guyana, Wilson earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Northern Caribbean University in Manchester, Jamaica. She received her master’s in nursing education from Columbia University, an Ivy League institution in New York City.

Wilson spent most of her practicing career in pediatric critical care. During her time at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and Loma Linda University in California, Wilson noticed the parallels between educating families and educating nursing students.

“Nursing, particularly pediatric nursing, allowed me to provide expert care to children and families during critical stages of their lives,” Wilson reflected. “As I was able to educate families about their children’s needs, that felt like an extension of the classroom. Education has always remained a passion of mine.”

In her position as AdventHealth Dean of Nursing, Wilson will provide support for the expansion of Polk State’s limited-access, highly sought-after Nursing Program. Through its partnership with AdventHealth, Polk State will work to ensure that industry needs are met.

“As administrators, we get to not only inspire students but faculty as well,” Wilson said. “By helping faculty be the best they can be, the graduates go on to be their best – in their academics and by the bedside. My top priorities are to make sure students are prepared to successfully complete the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse) exam and exceed the expectations for entry into the nursing workforce.”

Polk State’s Nursing Program includes the Associate in Science and Bachelor of Science degree programs which are known for their rigor and success in preparing highly qualified nursing professionals. Polk State Associate in Science in Nursing graduates consistently exceed state and national averages on the NCLEX-RN, with 2021 graduates boasting a nearly 91% pass rate on the exam compared to 64% at the state level and 82% nationally.

The need for registered nurses continues to grow nationally and locally, with this occupation listed on the 2021-2022 Regional Demand Occupations List for Polk County with approximately 300 vacancies each year.

“I’d like to be able to grow our program and see our enrollment increase to combat the nursing shortage,” Wilson explained. “I’m looking forward to working with President Falconetti, Provost (Amy) Bratten, faculty, and staff to achieve the strategic goals of the College.”

When she’s not working, Wilson enjoys puzzles, traveling, reading, and hiking. In fact, she’s climbed Blue Mountain – the highest point in Jamaica. Wilson also enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Dr. Colwick Wilson, also an academic administrator, have two daughters named Chidinma and Corliss.

Throughout her career in nursing, Wilson has been fortunate to have several mentors, including Dr. Marita Titler, Professor of Nursing at the University of Michigan, Dr. Usha Menon, Dean at USF Health College for Nursing, and Charlie Jo Morgan, Professor of Nursing at Loma Linda University. Wilson hopes to have a positive impact on the faculty at Polk State.

“They’ve done a tremendous job creating a high-quality nursing program,” Wilson said. “I’ve been very impressed by their commitment. I’m excited to work with our faculty here at Polk State to innovate and enhance our program.”