Christine Kennedy, PhD, RN, FAAN, has announced her retirement as dean of Rush University’s College of Nursing, effective June 2026. Kennedy will spend the next eight months preparing the college for new leadership, as the university plans to begin its search for her successor in the coming months.
Kennedy joined Rush University in October 2020 and has served as dean of the College of Nursing (CON) and as interim provost from September 2022 to May 2025. During her tenure, she played a key role in strengthening the college’s academic standing and operational stability.
“Dr. Kennedy has made a tremendous contribution to Rush University,” said Robert S.D. Higgins, MD, MSHA, president of Rush University. “Her leadership has played a pivotal role in continuing to solidify the College of Nursing as a nationally ranked and highly recognized place to further one’s education in the nursing world. Rush University owes her a deep gratitude not only for her leadership in CON but her work as interim provost for the institution.”
Reflecting on her time at Rush, Kennedy stated, “Starting with a pandemic and ending with a dramatically changed health care and education landscape wasn’t the trajectory I would have imagined. But it was meaningful work. And I’m proud of what we accomplished together.”
Kennedy’s arrival in 2020 coincided with a period of transition for the college, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and faculty turnover. She focused on rebuilding the college, recruiting new faculty, and supporting early career investigators. Her leadership centered on five strategic priorities: supporting inclusive excellence, fostering innovation, integrating faculty practice, advancing urban health through climate change research, and diversifying revenue streams.
During her tenure, the college expanded its health equity initiatives, established new leadership roles, and created the Kellogg Scholars Program for early-career faculty. Kennedy also revised faculty promotion criteria to better align with the college’s mission and introduced new mentorship and staff advancement pathways.
Despite fundraising challenges during the pandemic, Kennedy helped secure approximately $20 million in grants and philanthropic support over five years, supporting scholarships, faculty positions, research, and program development.
Kennedy’s leadership leaves the College of Nursing in a stronger position for future challenges. Her focus on research-driven leadership, transparency, and faculty development has created lasting changes within the college.
Rush University Medical Center, located in Chicago, Illinois, was founded in 1837. The hospital serves as a training facility and includes a pediatric ward. Its current president is Dr. Omar Lateef. More information about Rush University Medical Center can be found at https://www.rush.edu/about-us.
“Starting with a pandemic and ending with a dramatically changed health care and education landscape wasn’t the trajectory I would have imagined,” Kennedy said. “But it was meaningful work. And I’m proud of what we accomplished together.”
