Joan Shaver, the newly-appointed dean of the University of Arizona College of Nursing sees a bright future despite recent drastic budget cuts.

While many are worried the university will crumble with such limited funding, Shaver said she sees a firm foundation with the ability to strengthen and enhance the already-reputable College of Nursing.

“”I think she will provide strong leadership in every aspect,”” said Phil Malan, vice dean for academic affairs for the College of Medicine. “”When she became dean in Illinois, it rose to the No. 3 research ranking university in the country.””

Dealing with budget cuts is nothing new to Shaver. As dean at the University of Illinois at Chicago, she said she experienced drops in state appropriations to higher education for almost seven years.

“”The issue in both Illinois and Arizona is … what will happen next year or the year after – it’s called uncertainty,”” Shaver said. “”I am confident that we will find opportunities … my job will be to scout out those opportunities. My only doubts have to do not with whether we can thrive and continue to build capacity but rather the speed with which we can grow.””

One important way to manage in times of limited funding is to be certain that you are doing things as cost efficiently as possible, Shaver said. Collaborating with others to leverage resources and possibly consolidating to save overhead costs are some ways she said she plans to tackle budget constraints.

“”President Obama is very articulate in his belief that it is education that moves a society forward,”” Shaver said. “”I feel like I am in the right business at the right time and for the right reasons, and am looking forward to joining the team at the UA.””

Shaver, a national leader in nursing administration, education and research, was a faculty member at the UA College of Nursing from 1976 to 1977. In that short time, she said she helped to found the nursing science Ph.D. program.

Malan, who was chair of the search committee for dean of the college of nursing, said Shaver was their top candidate to fill the position.

“”The UA is not unique to budget cuts – every university has their financial issues,”” Malan said. “”Dr. Shaver sees a way to get through this; she sees a reason to help.””