Edward Cruz began a five-year appointment as associate dean for undergraduate programs in the Faculty of Nursing effective July 1.

Dr. Cruz has been a faculty member at the University of Windsor since 2018 and was granted tenure and promotion to associate professor in July 2023.

Cruz is internationally-educated, having received his education in Canada, the Philippines, and Japan. In Canada, he has worked in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), and Southwestern Ontario; he brings nearly 20 years of experience in the field of nursing.

Prior to joining University of Windsor, Cruz held teaching, curriculum development, and leadership positions at Centennial College in Toronto, including:

• acting chair – Child and Family Studies
• program co-ordinator – Internationally Educated Nurse Bridging Programs and Health Foundations; RPN to BScN Bridging to University Nursing
• full-time college faculty – practical nursing, IEN bridging, RPN to BScN, and BScN programs
• member and co-chair – Research Ethics Board

Most recently, Cruz received the national Golden Balangay Educator of the Year Award, which celebrates the success and contributions of an exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and active Filipino Canadian educator. The award highlights commitment to inspiring and empowering students to achieve their academic and social potential, while making significant contributions to their local community.

“Dr. Cruz makes all of us at the Faculty of Nursing Windsor proud,” says dean of nursing Debbie Sheppard-LeMoine. “We are excited to welcome his leadership impact on our undergraduate program, students, and faculty team.”

Cruz’s core research centres around social care, health human resources, interprofessional collaboration, and nursing education. He advocates for improved education and career transitioning initiatives that promotes positive experiences and enhanced quality of life for internationally educated nurses.

He envisions an undergraduate program that fosters excellence by graduating resilient nursing professionals equipped to address health, social justice, and equity issues locally and globally.

Cruz expresses gratitude for the support of and mentorship from Susan Fox, who completed her second term as associate dean.