Meet Your Dean: Dr. Diana Shenefield

In May, Dr. Diana Shenefield became dean of the School of Nursing at Ivy Tech Indianapolis, succeeding Dr. Myra Hart upon her retirement. With an extensive background in nursing education and academic leadership, Shenefield brings a wealth of experience to her new position.

Before her appointment as dean, Shenefield served as program chair for the Associate of Science in Nursing program at Ivy Tech, a role she has held since 2023. Her 34 years of clinical experience include pediatric and emergency room staff nursing and clinical coordination, complementing her administrative roles. Her career spans multiple institutions, including Marian University, where she was associate dean of academic affairs for the Leighton School of Nursing, and Northern Arizona University, where she advanced from assistant director to director of nursing. Earlier, she held tenure-track faculty positions and leadership roles at Huntington University.

Shenefield earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a Ph.D. in Nursing Education from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

As Ivy Tech Indianapolis welcomes its new dean, we spoke with Shenefield about her vision for the School of Nursing, her commitment to teaching and training future health care professionals, and key initiatives she plans to implement.

What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?

I have wanted to be a nurse my whole life. I just felt called to be a nurse when I was in high school. 

What first drew you to higher education, and what led you to join Ivy Tech Indianapolis?

After I earned my master’s in nursing administration, I started teaching clinical courses for Indiana Wesleyan University. I fell in love with teaching, so I applied in 2009 to Huntington University to teach in their nursing program and have been in higher education since then. After working in private and public universities, I found myself drawn to the Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis campus. I always heard very good things from the nearby hospitals, as well as the nursing students coming from Ivy Tech, and have always been impressed with the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates.

What are your top priorities for the School of Nursing as dean?

My top priorities are to build relationships with my faculty, staff and the students. Also, getting ready for our move to the main campus downtown Indianapolis in summer 2026. I want to continue working on our NCLEX pass rates and building relationships with our area hospital partners.

Can you discuss any upcoming programs or initiatives that you’re particularly excited about?

I want to focus on faculty professional development by offering continued learning so that the faculty feel prepared, and it helps them advance to their desired levels of teaching. This will then be passed on to the students to encourage them to do their best. Great faculty make great students, which makes great nurses!

What strategies will you implement to ensure that the school stays current with advancements in healthcare and industry trends?

Relationships with hospital partners, being involved in professional organizations, and encouraging faculty development.

What message would you like to share with students considering a career in nursing?

Nursing is an awesome career for someone who is caring and willing to work hard to learn how to care for people of all ages, and loves challenges!

How do you plan to support faculty development and innovation within the School of Nursing? 

Applying for grants to send faculty to conferences, encouraging certifications, and keeping current resources available for the faculty. Most of all, leading by example!

You can learn more about the School of Nursing and its programs on our website.