STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University has named Dr. J. (John) Michael Leger the new Dean of Nursing, effective July 1.
In his role, Dr. Leger will manage the administrative functions of the School of Nursing and focus on the plans and initiatives that support Tarleton Forward 2030: Our Future-Focused Strategic Plan.
He comes to Tarleton State after spending the past 10 years at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston. At UTMB, he has served as a professor, track coordinator for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) executive nurse leadership track, and the inaugural interim track coordinator for the nursing PhD program.
“Dr. Leger is well-equipped to lead our School of Nursing, having over 20 years of experience as a healthcare executive, including roles such as chief nursing officer, vice president of nursing, and hospital CEO,” said Dr. Ramona Parker, Associate Vice President and Executive Dean for the College of Health Sciences. “I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and am confident that, under his leadership, we will continue to advance and strengthen our program.”
During his time at UTMB, Dr. Leger taught primarily in graduate-level programs and served as an adviser to special initiatives in the undergraduate programs. He also designed, developed, and initiated an online orientation program in 2015 called CORE, which improved the preparation of incoming MSN students for the realities and expectations of online education. Through the program, the university saw improved on-time graduation rates and lower attrition rates in participants.
Additionally, he assisted in creating a similar program to include RN-BSN students, which later expanded to include doctoral programs.
“Visiting the campus and the people I met during my interviews only reassured me that I had made the right decision to pursue this position,” said Dr. Leger. “The pride of the faculty, staff and students in Tarleton State University is evident in how they speak about the culture and the excitement for the future. I see nothing but opportunity at Tarleton State, and particularly the future of the School of Nursing. I look forward to working with Dr. Ramona Parker and the faculty, staff, and students at the university.”
In 2024, Dr. Leger received the UTMB School of Nursing Alumni Association Hall of Fame Award. He was also the UTMB Academy of Master Teachers Faculty of the Month recipient in February 2023. A registered nurse, he holds a doctorate in nursing research and education from UTMB and a master’s degree in business and healthcare administration from Our Lady of the Lake University in Houston. He earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing from UTMB.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.