Dr. Mary Pat O’Brien Appointed as New MEC Dean of Nursing

NOVA’s Medical Education Campus is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mary Pat O’Brien as the next Dean of Nursing. Previously, O’Brien served as NOVA faculty for over 15 years, most recently as Acting Dean of the Nursing program in 2020. Dr. O’Brien has extensive knowledge and experience in the field of nursing. She earned her Master’s in Education from Boston University in 1986, and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Old Dominion University in 2014. Dr. O’Brien’s experience also includes serving as a nurse clinical specialist. She was the clinical leader and senior member of the nursing staff at George Washington University Hospital and Georgetown University Medical Center. Her clinical career specialties include Neonatal Intensive Care, Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Neurology.

She was a driving force in the 2018 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) reaffirmation of accreditation at NOVA, and she worked in collaboration with NOVA faculty and staff to implement the common-based curriculum mandated by the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).

Dr. O’Brien’s personal mission to ensure each student’s success as they join the next generation of nursing professionals aligns seamlessly with NOVA’s commitment to the principles of access, opportunity, student success and excellence.

Please join the MEC in congratulating Dr. Mary Pat O’Brien on her new role.