JACKSON, Tenn. — Aug. 1, 2025 — Janice Williams has been named dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Union University.
Williams, a two-time Union graduate with an Associate of Science in Nursing in 1985 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1987, returns to her alma mater after serving as professor of nursing and founding program director of the Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri, since 2005.
“Janice Williams brings to us decades of experience leading, innovating and inspiring while educating excellent nurses,” Union Provost Jacob Shatzer said. “Her expertise in accreditation, as well as her servant-hearted leadership and care for people, will have an immediate impact throughout the College of Nursing and Health Sciences as we begin this new season of leadership.”
Prior to her role at College of the Ozarks, Williams served at Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, where she was a nursing professor and founding chair of their satellite campus in Fairmont, Minnesota. Additionally, she served in patient care at St. Luke’s Midland Regional Medical Center in Aberdeen, Eastwood Hospital in Memphis and Jackson-Madison County General.
She said her mission is to create a nourishing teaching-learning environment through a biblical worldview to transform the culture for Christ.
After graduating from Union, Williams completed her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She has earned certifications as an advanced practice adult care clinical nurse specialist, diabetes educator, parish nurse and academic nurse educator.
Janice and her husband, Richard, have four young adult children, one of whom graduated from and worked for Union. Richard has served as a pastor/worship leader and art teacher during their 34 years of marriage.