Faires Faculty Forum: Nursing professor discusses research on Gen Z students

Dr. Tricia Ryan, assistant professor of nursing at Westminster College, will present “Faculty Advisement and Retention Strategies for Generation Z Students” at the Faires Faculty Forum at 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, April 14, via Zoom.

Ryan will discuss her findings from a research project focused on the relationship between Generation Z college students and their faculty advisers. Ryan says many of these students are balancing several priorities which can complicate academic progression. In addition, this generation is known for a strong sense of independence which may lead to a decrease in willingness to seek and accept help. After learning of approaches specific to this generation, faculty may adopt new advisement strategies to create a more successful relationship with advisees leading to improved retention.

Ryan, who joined the Westminster faculty in 2016, earned her diploma in nursing from the Sharon Regional Health System School of Nursing in 1995 and became a licensed registered nurse (RN). She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Penn State University, a master’s in nursing from Robert Morris University and a doctorate in instructional management and leadership at Robert Morris University. Ryan is now the director and chair of the nursing program at Westminster.

The Faires Faculty Forum was established in 1990 by Dr. Barbara Faires, Westminster professor of mathematics emerita, during her term as dean of the College and vice president for academic affairs.  Faculty members from all disciplines volunteer to present lectures on their current research, artistic productions, and scholarship of teaching and learning.  Each forum presents new ideas with innovative lecture techniques.

Contact Ryan at 724-946-7470 or ryantl@westminster.edu for additional information.

Zoom links will be emailed to current and emeritus faculty prior to the forum. For others who wish to attend, please contact Dr. Erin Wilson, faculty development officer, at wilsonee@westminster.edu to obtain a link.

For more information about Westminster's nursing major, please visit www.westminster.edu/nursing.

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