Linda Weglicki will be recommended to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees to serve as interim dean of MSU’s College of Nursing, effective Jan. 5. The board will vote on the appointment at its February 2026 meeting. Weglicki will serve as interim dean designee prior to the board’s meeting and hold the interim dean role until the next leader is seated.
Weglicki most recently served as dean of the Medical University of South Carolina’s College of Nursing, which she led from 2018–2023. She has also recently been a consultant for the Wayne State University College of Nursing’s Office of Health Research and Grand Valley State University’s Kirkhof College of Nursing.
“Dr. Weglicki’s extensive leadership experience, including long-term service as a nursing dean and successfully guiding a college of nursing through a major budget reorganization and other challenging periods, makes her an excellent choice for MSU’s College of Nursing,” said MSU Provost Laura Lee McIntyre. “She brings with her a strong national-level perspective, having worked at the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Nursing Research, demonstrating strong support for research and scholarly engagement. She also possesses a deep understanding of Michigan’s higher education landscape, coupled with her roots as a Michigander returning home to apply skills and insights gained throughout her career of broad and diverse service.”
During her time at the Medical University of South Carolina, Weglicki was responsible for the financial operations, budgeting, leadership and planning to advance nursing education, innovation, research, philanthropy, practice and community engagement. Previously, she has served as a professor at Florida Atlantic University and Wayne State University, as well as the chief for the Office of Extramural Programs and as a health administrator at the National Institutes of Health. At NIH, she was responsible for strategic vision and leadership in advancing nursing science across all National Institute of Nursing Research’s science priorities and portfolios.
Her publications and program of research focus on team science and community-based methods to promote health and reduce health risk and risk behaviors, including tobacco prevention and cessation, effects of air pollution on chronic illness, breast and prostate cancer screening, and promoting health of young mothers and infants in diverse populations. She holds a doctorate in nursing science from the University of Michigan and a master’s and bachelor’s degree in nursing from Wayne State University.
“I am truly honored to be recommended to serve as the interim dean of the Michigan State University College of Nursing,” Weglicki said. “I promise to bring high energy, a spirit of caring inquiry, and dedication to working together as a collective team as we explore opportunities and plan for the future during this transformative time for the college and university. I look forward to working with the faculty, staff, students, alumni and all MSU’s community partners to inform the amazing journey ahead — a journey under a shared vision — as we explore what is possible together. I am excited for this amazing opportunity.”
Weglicki will succeed Dean Leigh Small, who has provided leadership for the College of Nursing since November 2021 and is stepping down from her position primarily due to health issues affecting her immediate family and siblings. Small will transition to her tenured faculty appointment as professor.
“Dean Small significantly contributed to advancing the College of Nursing’s mission to transform the health of individuals and communities by providing innovative educational opportunities, research and increased access to high-quality nursing practice,” said McIntyre. “We are grateful for Leigh’s many contributions to the college and MSU during her service as dean.”
