For Geri Tyrell, DNP, education and leadership have always been intertwined.
From her early days as a neonatal intensive care nurse to her years guiding Newman University’s School of Healthcare Professions, she has consistently sought ways to support students and advance institutional growth.
In May, Tyrell became the associate vice president of Academic Affairs at Newman, a role colleagues say will amplify her leadership across the university. Tyrell said the mentors who encouraged her played a big role in embracing the new opportunity.
“Both Dr. Alden Stout and Dr. Jill Fort have consistently encouraged and supported me, inspiring me to take a leap of faith and embrace new challenges,” she said. “As someone who is naturally curious and driven to learn and contribute more, this opportunity has allowed me to collaborate more closely with departments beyond the School of Healthcare Professions and engage with a broader student population. It has also deepened my understanding of the university’s wider perspective and strategic mission.”
Stout, vice president of Academic Affairs, said Tyrell’s history of success as dean positioned her well for the promotion.
“Geri’s outstanding leadership experience, collaborative spirit and commitment to academic excellence will serve Newman well as she steps into this position,” Stout said.
A career shaped by many roles
Years of professional experiences have shaped Tyrell’s path to academic leadership. She credits her time in clinical nursing practice for sharpening her ability to think critically, ask detailed questions and approach problems with a clear, measured mindset.
“As a faculty member and director of nursing at Bethel College, I grew both as an educator and a leader — gaining a deeper understanding of accreditation processes and working to expand programming that made a lasting institutional impact,” Tyrell said. “In my role as dean of the School of Healthcare Professions, my leadership focus shifted toward stabilization and policy development, laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth.”
Colleagues who have known Tyrell for decades say those qualities have long defined her approach to leadership.
Nancy Lugo-Baez, associate professor of nursing at Newman, first met Tyrell as a student in Bethel College’s nursing program before later working alongside her as faculty. She remembers those years as formative, both for Tyrell and for the nursing program they helped rebuild.
“We went through a lot during those years as colleagues working with the other faculty to turn a failing nursing program into a successful one,” Lugo-Baez said. “We both learned a lot from that shared experience.”
Over the years, the two maintained a close professional and personal bond and even completed their doctoral degrees together in 2016. Lugo-Baez said she has always admired Tyrell’s ability to lead with vision while remaining calm under pressure.
“Geri is a visionary,” Lugo-Baez said. “She can see the big picture of potential solutions for programmatic success and excellence. Geri is dedicated to learning and internalizing what makes a good leader. She can also see certain talents in people that can be tapped into for them to grow and enhance a program’s success.”
Guiding students with purpose
Since joining Newman in 2022, Tyrell has embraced opportunities to live out the university’s mission to empower graduates to transform society. She points to several moments that have reinforced her sense of purpose: building student relationships, hosting the inaugural Healthcare Professions pinning ceremonies and witnessing students graduate.
“The thought-provoking conversations I’m privileged to have with students in DNAP 8053 Populations, Wellness and Epidemiology continually inspire me,” Tyrell said. “Their reflections on barriers to care, lack of resources and inequities in health care and their commitment to addressing these challenges as future providers are a testament to their passion and purpose.”
Tyrell said she plans to bring the same spirit to her new responsibilities in Academic Affairs, which include oversight of areas such as the Student Success Center and Registrar’s Office.
“I am not afraid of change,” Tyrell said. “I am afraid of not evaluating a change to see if it has worked and if we need to make an adjustment to make it better.”
A leader praised by peers
For many colleagues, Tyrell’s leadership qualities are both professional and deeply personal.
Fort, Ph.D., who left the position of associate vice president of Academic Affairs at Newman to become vice president of Academic Affairs at Graceland University this summer, had hired Tyrell during her time at Newman. She said it was “one of the best and easiest decisions I ever made.”
She described Tyrell as a “rockstar for Newman” and an attentive listener who fosters trust and communication. Additionally, Fort said Tyrell leads by example and models professionalism with integrity.
“Geri’s kindness creates a supportive environment, yet she pairs it with a firm, principled approach that ensures decisions are fair, consistent and in the best interest of the institution,” Fort said. “Her dedication in every interaction inspires those around her to rise to the same standard.”
Fort added, “Her ability to balance empathy with accountability will serve her well in guiding academic initiatives, supporting faculty and advancing the mission of Newman.”
Purpose beyond titles
A new role may bring changes, but Tyrell’s motivation remains constant: to support students and serve the Newman community.
“Supporting students on their educational journey is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work,” she said. “I believe we do this not for ourselves, but for those we serve — our students, our colleagues and our communities.”
Explore the School of Healthcare Professions
Newman’s School of Healthcare Professions is the largest at Newman with more than 400 students and more than 20 full time faculty members.
