Rosalie Caffrey, R.N., M.S., Ph.D., has been appointed the interim associate dean at the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing, Ashland and Klamath Falls campuses. She will take over from Saundra Theis, R.N., Ph.D., who will be the interim dean of the OHSU School of Nursing beginning Aug. 1,  replacing Kathleen Potempa, D.N.Sc., R.N., F.A.A.N., who was appointed dean of the University of Michigan School of Nursing, effective Oct. 1.

"Dr. Caffrey is an excellent choice for this role. Her experience will enable her to interact with our partner schools and health care agencies in southern Oregon. She is a good listener and will be able to help faculty in problem solving. Dr. Caffrey will support the extension of the excellent teaching and research by the faculty," said Theis.

"I am pleased to be rejoining my colleagues on the OHSU southern campuses and am looking forward to an exciting and challenging year.  I am also looking forward to working with Dr. Theis as she takes on her role as the interim dean of the OHSU School of Nursing," Caffery said.

Caffrey received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from St. Olaf College, her Master of Science in nursing education from the University of Minnesota, her Master of Science in anthropology and her Doctor of Philosophy in anthropology from the University of Oregon. She taught nursing at South Dakota State College, Mankato State University and Lamar University. For many years, she taught at Southern Oregon University. She was a professor of nursing at OHSU School of Nursing, Ashland Campus, until she retired as professor emeritus in 2003. Areas of teaching included psychiatric/mental health nursing, nursing research, human diversity, and master's and doctoral thesis advising. She was the director of academic programs from 2000 to 2003. Caffrey's research included medical anthropology, cultural aspects of health and healing, international health, community care, gerontological nursing and alcoholism. Caffrey has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar Collaborative Research Award.