EAU CLAIRE — Dr. Rita Kisting Sparks has been named interim associate dean and educational administrator of the School of Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, effective July 1. She replaces Dr. Susan Johnson Warner, who will move to her concurrent faculty position as professor of nursing systems July 1.
          Provost Ronald Satz appointed Kisting Sparks upon the recommendation of the faculty and academic staff to Dr. Carol Klun, interim dean of the College of Professional Studies. She will report directly to Klun and will administer nursing programs with responsibility and authority for overseeing compliance with the criteria and the guidelines of the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing and the nationally accrediting agencies.
          "I am looking forward to working with Rita," Klun said. "She will play a major role in leading the School and in guiding the School through its reaccreditation during the coming year."
          Kisting Sparks joined the nursing faculty in 1967. She was promoted to professor in 1986 and has served as assistant dean of Nursing Outreach since 1988. She also was acting chair of the department of nursing systems from 1991-93 and is the current chair of the School's Faculty and Academic Staff Organization. An active scholar in the areas of chronic illness, oncology, nursing process, faculty development and mentoring, she has published numerous journal articles and book chapters and given professional presentations throughout the state and nation. She holds a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Minnesota, a master's degree in nursing from the University of Colorado and a bachelor's degree in nursing from UW-Madison.
          "As someone who joined the faculty at the beginning of the School and who has been a part of its growth and many achievements for over 30 years, I look forward to helping it through its accreditation visit next year and its continued growth" she said. "The School has an enviable reputation with outstanding faculty and students, and I look forward to working with them and the dean."
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JBW

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Updated: May 25, 2000