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Shannon Monroe has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Dean’s Faculty and Staff Fellowship program.

The Dean's Faculty and Staff Fellowship Program (DFSFP) is designed to introduce ɫ��ֱ�� faculty and staff to key leadership roles, strategic priorities, and operational functions within the school. The program emphasizes leadership development, strategic thinking, and institutional engagement. Fellows will gain firsthand experience in academic leadership through mentorship, participation in decision-making processes, and exposure to the inner workings of School leadership.

“The quality, creativity, and commitment reflected in [the] submissions speak volumes about the strength of our community and made this selection process incredibly difficult,” said Dean Michael V. Relf, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN. “Shannon’s work reflects a deep commitment to enhancing the student experience and demonstrates the type of leadership and impact this fellowship is intended to support.”

Monroe currently serves as the School of Nursing’s Director of Clinical Placements, a role she has held since 2022.

“Our team does everything from seeking willing preceptors, starting affiliation agreements with the sites, finding new sites, helping the students work through compliance and legal paperwork, and making sure they have all their hours,” Monroe said. With some students requiring multiple placements, Monroe estimates that her team is responsible for around 470 placements per semester.

Monroe's proposed project for the fellowship focuses on improving the clinical placement process for our students at ɫ��ֱ�� Health. “I’m looking for new connections that can support my team’s work and improve our outreach,” she explained.

Monroe brings nearly two decades of experience from UNC Rex Healthcare, where she served in progressive leadership roles. Across these roles, she led large-scale operations, developed and expanded health promotion programs, and managed diverse teams—experience that continues to inform her thoughtful, systems-focused approach to clinical education and student support.

“I’ve always enjoyed leading people and leading teams. Even when it was challenging, like supporting my wellness team through COVID and all that was required to keep them working while our facility was shut down, I like bringing people together. … I’m always seeking new ways to grow as a leader, and this was a perfect next step and an opportunity for me to grow.”