Florida Atlantic: Shaping the Future of Nursing

Cameron G. Duncan, Ph.D., DNP, APRN, FAANP, joined Florida Atlantic University in January as the new Holli Rockwell Trubinsky Eminent Dean of the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. He is the fourth dean in the college’s 45-year history.

Duncan’s interest in health care began when he was a child. He was inspired by his pediatrician and initially wanted to become a physician.

“He recognized my passion for patient care and suggested that nursing might be a better fit for my personality and goals. I took his advice to heart, and it has proven to be the right path,” Duncan said. “I find immense fulfillment in being able to advocate for my patients, educate them about their health and make a positive impact in their lives.”

Duncan comes to Florida Atlantic from his alma mater, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), where he served in various roles since 2017, most recently as interim dean of the Orvis School of Nursing. During his deanship, Duncan was responsible for the academic progress of more than 500 graduate and undergraduate students, stewardship of a $9.8 million budget, and development of the school’s strategic plan to better align with the university’s mission and research goals.

In 2016, he opened Duncan Family Healthcare in Reno, which was the first Advanced Practice Registered Nurse clinic in northern Nevada. The facility focuses on mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use.

Duncan was born and raised in Reno, “a beautiful city nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains that enjoys all four seasons,” he said. “But I have been enjoying more sunny days, time at the beach, and being in a place where I can play tennis year-round. I also really love cooking and enjoying good food, so I am looking forward to exploring South Florida’s diverse food scene to strengthen my skills in the kitchen.”

After graduating from UNR with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Duncan went on to earn master’s degrees from Grand Canyon University and the University of Arizona; a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Arizona; and a Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is a certified nurse educator and was inducted as a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners in 2023. He also is dually board certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and a family nurse practitioner.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Duncan understands the unique challenges first-generation students face. He credits his parents, teachers and mentors with providing the support that allowed him to pursue his dreams; and would like to offer mentorship programs, support networks, financial aid and mental health services to help first- generation students succeed in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

His other priorities as dean include expanding the reach of the FAU/Northwest Community Health Alliance Community Health Centers to provide access to care for underserved populations in South Florida, strengthening existing programs, creating new partnerships within the community, and advancing nursing research with a focus on caring science.

“The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing’s strong reputation for caring science and for producing quality research, and competent and compassionate working professionals, were among the reasons I was interested in joining Florida Atlantic,” he said. “I also was impressed with the faculty and staff. Their passion for teaching and commitment to student success is inspiring, and I wanted to work alongside them. Who would not want to be part of a team doing all those great things?”