Graceland University Welcomes National Nursing Leader as Dean of the School of Nursing
Lamoni, IA (07/07/2026) — Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing - a leader whose career has taken her from the bedside to the boardroom, and who will now bring that full range of experience to students on both the Lamoni, Iowa, and Independence, Missouri campuses as well as the online nursing programs. Dr. Manos earned a bachelor's degree in nursing in 2006, a master's of science (MS) in nursing leadership and health informatics in 2008, and her doctor of nursing practice (DNP) in leadership and health informatics in 2012, all from the University of Kansas.
A career built across the whole healthcare landscape
Dr. Manos isn't just an academic - she's spent her career moving between classroom, clinic, and the systems that connect the two. Most recently, she led graduate nursing and health administration programs at A.T. Still University. Before that, she spent 15 years at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she built nationally recognized graduate programs at the intersection of nursing and technology.
Along the way, she's launched new academic programs, guided schools through accreditation, brought in major research funding, and mentored nurses who've gone on to become leaders themselves. That range - teaching, patient care, administration, and technology - is what Graceland was looking for in its next dean.
Health informatics
One thread runs through much of Dr. Manos' career: health informatics. It's not a phrase most people outside healthcare run into often.
Health informatics is the field that helps nurses make the best use of technology - things like electronic health records, digital monitoring tools, and increasingly, artificial intelligence - to take better care of patients. Done well; it means fewer errors, smoother communication between caregivers, and faster, smarter decisions at the bedside. As hospitals and clinics lean more heavily on digital tools every year, knowing how to use them well isn't just a specialty skill anymore - it is an essential part of being a well-prepared nurse.
Why this matters for Graceland
"Graceland's School of Nursing has earned an outstanding reputation by combining academic excellence with a willingness to embrace innovation," said Graceland President Joel Shrock. "Dr. Manos is the right leader to build on that tradition. Her vision, experience, and passion for student success will help ensure Graceland continues to prepare exceptional nurses while exploring new opportunities that strengthen our programs and expand our impact in the Kansas City community."
Dr. Jill Fort, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, was part of the conversations that led to hiring Dr. Manos.
"From my discussions with Dr. Manos, it is immediately clear she is an innovative leader who genuinely cares about students, faculty, and the future of healthcare education," Fort said. "Her breadth of experience, collaborative leadership style, and forward-thinking approach make her an exceptional fit for Graceland."
For her part, Dr. Manos said Graceland's history and community is what drew her in.
"Before learning more about the position, I knew Graceland as a university with a long history of educating nurses, a strong sense of community, and a mission-centered approach to education," she said. "What stood out most during the interview process was the people - a genuine commitment to students, to the university's mission, and to the future of the School of Nursing. My vision is to build on that foundation while supporting thoughtful growth, student success, and strong academic-practice partnerships, and to create pathways that meet students wherever they are in their nursing journey - whether they're just starting out, returning to school while working, or advancing into leadership and graduate study."
Looking ahead
As dean, Dr. Manos will oversee Graceland's undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral nursing programs across the university's campuses in Lamoni, Iowa, and Independence, Missouri, as well as its fully online graduate offerings. Her priorities are practical and student-focused: expanding and refining the academic offerings, supporting faculty, deepening partnerships with healthcare organizations, and making sure graduates step into the workforce ready for however the profession evolves in the future.
Graceland's nursing program has spent five decades earning its reputation one graduate at a time. With Dr. Manos now leading the way, that story is set to continue - grounded in the same compassion the program was built on, with an eye firmly on where healthcare is headed.
Graceland University
Steve Edwards, 641-784-5249, steve.edwards@graceland.eduShare this Story
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