Mary Dioise Ramos, PhD, RN, CNE
Associate Dean for Nursing Research, Scholarship and Science
Dr. Ramos joined the School of Nursing on August 1, 2024, drawn by its esteemed reputation for nursing education and research excellence. She previously served as Associate Director for Graduate Programs at Kennesaw State University’s Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, where she oversaw and enhanced the quality of graduate nursing programs, promoted student success and contributed to curriculum development.
“As Associate Dean for Nursing Research, Scholarship and Science, I will be responsible for advancing nursing research programs, fostering a culture of scholarship and scientific inquiry and collaborating with stakeholders to address health care challenges faced by patients, families, caregivers and vulnerable populations, aligning with my passion for improving health outcomes for underserved communities,” Dr. Ramos says.
She aims to bring her experience in nursing education, leadership, research and working with diverse populations to this role. She is committed to mentoring and developing the next generation of nurse researchers and contributing to the global influence and reputation of the School of Nursing.
“Mentoring and developing aspiring researchers is a passion of mine, and I believe that nurturing talent and fostering a supportive research environment are essential for advancing the field of nursing science,” she says. “By guiding and inspiring students and early-career researchers, I hope to instill in them a deep appreciation for inquiry, critical thinking and innovation in nursing research. I am eager to share my experiences, expertise and insights with emerging scholars, helping them navigate the complexities of research, publishing and grant writing.”
Dr. Ramos’ short-term goals include assessing the School of Nursing’s current research landscape, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and enhancing research productivity. Her long-term goals involve securing external research funding, increasing the dissemination of research findings and establishing the school as a leader in innovative nursing research.
“I believe in fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment, promoting diversity and cultural competence in health care research, and upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and scientific rigor in all scholarly endeavors,” she says. “I also believe that lifelong learning is essential for personal and professional growth. It is crucial for nurse researchers to stay curious, open-minded and committed to expanding their knowledge and skills. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability within the research community.”
Dr. Ramos looks forward to collaborating with talented colleagues, making a meaningful impact on nursing research and scholarship and contributing to advancing healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Kimberly Shmina, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, RN
Associate Dean for Professional Practice and Advanced Nursing Practice
Dr. Shmina joined the School of Nursing on July 17, 2024. She was attracted by the high caliber of the School of Nursing’s educational programs and also the promise of getting back to a research institution where she could look deeply at curriculum development and alignment with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials and opportunities for growth in student instruction and teaching and learning modalities.
Her other research interests include increasing breastfeeding rates in low-income women, aromatherapy and hand massage as effective measures in relieving stress among nursing students, weight reduction in peri- and postmenopausal women, increasing self-resiliency in the face of disasters, and using simulations to increase critical thinking and clinical judgment in nursing students.
On a personal note, she and her husband were married in New Orleans, so the city has always held a special place in their hearts.
While she once thought she would spend her career as a nurse practitioner in maternal-child health, Dr. Shmina has quite a varied background, completing her postdoctoral work in alternative and complementary therapies and then serving in administrative roles for both undergraduate and graduate nursing education, most recently as Associate Dean of Nursing at Barry University in Miami.
Dr. Shmina has spent most of her career in underserved areas – from tribal reservations in northern Michigan and rural practices in Hawaii to inner city hospitals and schools in Detroit and Miami, so she has experience in providing outreach to patients, families and communities – something she is eager to continue in her new role.
While it’s still very early in her tenure, Dr. Shmina looks forward to creating practice partnerships where they haven’t existed before, increasing practice opportunities for faculty and preceptorships for students, managing all graduate programs except the Ph.D. program, and using her extensive accreditation experience to help the school successful navigate those processes, starting with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges visit in spring 2025.
“I want to increase our online presence, something that is already underway under the leadership of Dr. Porche,” Dr. Shmina says. “I would like to do something truly extraordinary with our DNP [Doctor of Nursing Practice] programs, to see us become the premier DNP educational system in the country. By expanding learning modalities and creative partnerships, we can offer more accessibility to our graduate programs. This includes increasing student access via online options to reach as many top students across the country as possible with an affordable, high-quality program.”
