Dr. Donalyn Alexander Named Dean of Tarleton State Nursing School

STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University has appointed Dr. Donalyn Alexander as the new Dean of the School of Nursing, effective Aug. 18. Dr. Alexander takes on this role following her tenure as Dean of the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, a position she held since 2019.

“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Donalyn Alexander to lead our School of Nursing,” said Dr. Elizabeth Palmarozzi, Vice President for the Division of Health Sciences. “With over 30 years of experience in healthcare education and service, she is a fantastic choice to build on the strategic vision of our nursing program. Her professional partnerships and years of dedication will greatly benefit the student experience at Tarleton State.”

Dr. Alexander’s leadership at the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing is notable for its success. Under her guidance, the nursing program achieved a perfect 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam in 2020. Since 2019, the university has maintained a 90% pass rate, exceeding the state’s benchmark of 80%.

Before her role at Patty Hanks Shelton, Dr. Alexander worked for nearly 20 years in the Department of Education and Professional Development at Hendrick Health in Abilene. Her extensive experience includes positions as a clinical nurse, clinical instructor, program director, and professor of nursing.

“I am honored to be chosen as Tarleton State University’s Dean of the School of Nursing,” said Dr. Alexander. “Tarleton State’s strong commitment to excellence in education and its vision for advancing the future of healthcare deeply resonate with my personal values as a healthcare provider. I look forward to supporting faculty, empowering students, and working collaboratively to develop the next generation of compassionate, skilled nursing professionals who will make a lasting impact across Texas and beyond.”

Dr. Alexander holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in healthcare administration from Oklahoma City University. Additionally, she earned a master’s degree in nursing education from Abilene Christian University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Central Oklahoma, graduating magna cum laude.

The nursing program at Tarleton State, which is fully approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, will celebrate its 50th anniversary during the upcoming academic year. The most recent nursing cohort recorded a 94.67% first-time pass rate on NCLEX-RN exams for the 2024 calendar year.