US-Based Nigerian Nurse Dr Adejoke Bolanle Ayoola Appointed Dean at Palm Beach Atlantic University School of Nursing
West Palm Beach, Florida — 17 April 2026
Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) has appointed Dr Adejoke Bolanle Ayoola, PhD, RN, FAAN — a distinguished US-based Nigerian nurse educator, researcher and academic leader, as the new Dean of its School of Nursing. She will take up the role on 1 July 2026.
Dr Ayoola succeeds Dr Kimberly Fenstermacher, who is retiring after two years in the position. The appointment follows a nationwide search and marks a significant moment for diversity and excellence in Christian higher-education nursing leadership.
A Trailblazing Career Rooted in Nigeria and the United States
Born in Nigeria on 20 July 1970, Dr Ayoola earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (1991) and Master of Science in Nursing (1998) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. She moved to the United States in 2001, completed her PhD at Michigan State University in 2007, and has since built an outstanding 19-year career at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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At Calvin, she rose through the ranks to become Professor of Nursing and the university’s inaugural Dean of the School of Health, overseeing 21 undergraduate and graduate programmes in nursing, pre-medicine and public health. A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing since 2020, she is also a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholar and a recognised expert in maternal and reproductive health. Her research, which has been cited more than 665 times focuses on improving women’s knowledge of reproductive physiology, reducing unintended pregnancies and enhancing birth outcomes across diverse populations.
What the Appointment Means for Nursing Education
This move is more than a leadership transition — it is a powerful statement about the value of global talent in American healthcare education. Nigerian-trained nurses have long played a vital role in the US healthcare system, yet representation in senior academic leadership remains limited. Dr Ayoola’s appointment brings proven expertise in curriculum development, interprofessional collaboration and faith-integrated learning to PBA, a Christ-centred university.
Her servant-leadership style and track record of building strong academic programmes align perfectly with PBA’s mission. As Provost Dr Stephen Johnson noted:
“In her previous roles, she joyfully brought a servant-leadership approach to her work of elevating academic excellence in Christian higher education.”
Dr Ayoola herself expressed deep enthusiasm:
“It is with great joy and a deep sense of calling that I step into this role… My hope is that the School of Nursing will continue to prepare nurse educators, advocates, and transformational leaders who serve God with courage.”
Strengthening PBA’s Nursing Programmes
PBA’s School of Nursing offers a full range of programmes, from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (traditional and accelerated RN-to-BSN) to Master of Science in Nursing tracks in leadership, family nurse practice, psychiatric mental health and more. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programme prepares advanced-practice nurses in multiple specialities.
Under Dr Ayoola’s leadership, the school is expected to deepen clinical partnerships across Palm Beach County, expand research opportunities and maintain its strong emphasis on holistic, evidence-based, Christ-centred care.
A Milestone for the Nigerian Nursing Diaspora
For the thousands of Nigerian nurses working and studying across the United States, this appointment is both inspirational and strategic. It highlights how international education and clinical experience can translate into top-tier academic influence. Dr Ayoola’s journey from nurse tutor in Nigeria to founding dean in Michigan and now dean in Florida demonstrates what is possible when excellence, faith and purpose converge.
As the US grapples with nursing shortages and the need for culturally competent care, leaders like Dr Ayoola bring not only technical expertise but also a global perspective that enriches every student they serve.
Palm Beach Atlantic University’s announcement signals a bright future for its nursing school, one grounded in academic rigour, compassionate service and bold, faith-driven leadership.
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