Lisa Muirhead appointed interim dean of Emory’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Nov. 25, 2025

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Janet Christenbury

Emory Healthcare Media Relations

Lisa Muirhead will assume the role of interim dean on Jan. 1, 2026.

ATLANTA – Emory University has announced that Lisa Muirhead has been appointed interim dean of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Muirhead, a professor in the School of Nursing, has been an integral member of the Emory community since 2012, most recently serving as senior associate dean for enrollment, student affairs and organizational engagement at the school. With more than 25 years of experience as both a registered nurse and advanced practice nurse, she has dedicated her career to advancing health equity, enhancing veterans’ health care and expanding access to care for underrepresented communities.

“Dr. Muirhead represents the very best of Emory — academic excellence, compassionate leadership and a deep sense of purpose,” says Joon S. Lee, executive vice president for Woodruff Health Sciences of Emory University and CEO of Emory Healthcare. “Her leadership will help shape the future of nursing education and strengthen our shared vision of One Emory — where discovery, education and clinical care come together to improve lives.”

A nationally recognized leader in nursing practice, education and policy, Muirhead has served as an advisor to federal agencies, professional organizations and public health bodies, shaping health policy and clinical standards across the country. Her distinguished leadership has earned her fellowship in both the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Nursing — a reflection of her continued impact on the profession.

“Dr. Muirhead has a deep commitment to preparing the next generation of nurses and nurse leaders,” says Badia Ahad, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Emory University. “Her focus on transformative education will strengthen the school’s legacy of extraordinary impact and service.”

"It is my profound honor to serve as interim dean of one of the nation’s leading schools of nursing, a community defined by excellence, innovation and an unwavering commitment to improving health for all,” says Muirhead. “Our school’s reputation has been built by generations of visionary leaders, exceptional faculty and dedicated students who have advanced the science and practice of nursing across the globe. Together, we will continue to prepare nurse leaders who bring knowledge, compassion and courage to every setting where care and advocacy are needed.”

Muirhead received a bachelor of science in nursing from William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a master of science in nursing from University of South Alabama in Mobile, a post master’s nurse practitioner degree from University of Massachusetts, and a doctor of nursing practice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a board certified advanced practice registered nurse.

Muirhead’s appointment comes after Linda A. McCauley, dean of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory, announced her retirement at the end of 2025, following 16 years at the helm.

Emory’s School of Nursing is ranked #1 in the nation for master’s programs, #2 for BSN programs and #8 for doctor of nursing practice programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. The search for the next permanent dean is underway.

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