At a time when healthcare systems are undergoing rapid change and communities face widening disparities, effective leadership in nursing and public health education is more vital than ever. At the helm of the University of San Francisco’s School of Nursing and Health Professions, Dr. Eileen K. Fry-Bowers brings both vision and action to this challenge.

As Dean and Professor, Dr. Fry-Bowers leads with a commitment to academic excellence, health advocacy, and community engagement. Her approach reflects years of experience across teaching, research, and administration, combined with a career-long focus on equity, access, and ethical healthcare.

Building a Career Rooted in Impact

Dr. Fry-Bowers’ career spans several respected institutions where she has served in both faculty and administrative positions across nursing, medicine, and public health. Before joining the University of San Francisco, she held key roles at the University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, as well as within the Office of the Provost.

Her background in education is expansive. She has taught students at every stage of nursing education, from entry-level courses to graduate public health seminars. Her influence also extends into professional development and health policy, where she has mentored future clinicians and advocated for system-wide improvement.

In recognition of her contributions, Dr. Fry-Bowers is an elected Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. She has also chaired the Expert Panel on Children, Adolescents, and Families, advocating for improved outcomes for some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations.

Educational Foundations and Legal Expertise

Dr. Fry-Bowers began her academic journey at Loma Linda University, where she earned her BSN with honors. She continued her studies with a Master of Science from the University of Rochester School of Nursing, then went on to earn a Juris Doctor from Whittier Law School, graduating summa cum laude. There, she was awarded the Dean’s Citation for her service to both the school and the broader community.

Her passion for child health and health systems research led her to pursue a Ph.D. in health services at the UCLA School of Nursing. As a Chancellor’s Fellow and UC Regents Scholar, her doctoral work explored maternal health literacy and pediatric care outcomes. She later completed a post-doctoral fellowship focused on child health policy and the care of vulnerable populations, further solidifying her expertise in research and advocacy.

Guiding a School Committed to Community Transformation

At USF, Dr. Fry-Bowers is redefining how healthcare education intersects with community needs. Under her leadership, the School of Nursing and Health Professions has become a driving force for local and systemic change. From developing student partnerships with public hospitals to organizing advocacy trips to Washington, DC, her efforts emphasize experiential learning tied to real-world impact.

One of her guiding principles is that healthcare should not only treat illness but also promote justice. She works to ensure that graduates of the program are not only skilled practitioners but also compassionate advocates equipped to challenge structural inequities.

Her leadership style combines strategic planning with deep collaboration. She works closely with faculty, staff, and students to enhance the school’s academic offerings, foster innovation, and support personal growth across all disciplines.

Research That Informs and Inspires

Dr. Fry-Bowers maintains an active research agenda that reflects her longstanding commitment to improving health systems. Her work primarily explores:

·       The influence of social policy on the health and well-being of children and families

·       The effects of legislative changes on the delivery of pediatric healthcare services

·       Legal, ethical, and workforce challenges facing care providers who serve marginalized populations

Through these research efforts, she identifies practical, evidence-based strategies that can reshape health outcomes and policy frameworks. Her scholarship directly informs teaching, strengthens academic programs, and supports advocacy at both the institutional and national level.

Voices of Change: Advocacy and Public Dialogue

At the center of Dr. Fry-Bowers’ leadership is a belief in giving voice to those often left unheard. Through campus events and public forums, she promotes dialogue on health justice, professional ethics, and systemic inequality.

In a biannual Dean’s Series, she recognizes pioneers in healthcare equity. One recent honoree was Mrs. Willard Harris, the first African American Chief Nursing Officer in California. Events like these are designed not just to celebrate legacy, but to empower future generations to carry it forward.

In partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, USF is also establishing the Campus for Life Science and Health Equity, a facility that will enhance cross-disciplinary research and education.

Redefining Professional Preparation

Under Dr. Fry-Bowers’ leadership, the USF School of Nursing and Health Professions has fully integrated the AACN Essentials, focusing on core competencies for modern nursing education. What distinguishes USF’s approach is how these standards are grounded in the university’s Jesuit tradition, linking academic excellence with a strong moral framework.

Students are immersed in care settings across more than 160 healthcare organizations throughout the Bay Area. From clinical rotations to research capstones, every experience is designed to prepare students to serve with empathy and purpose.

Whether tackling mental health access, gun violence, or vaccine equity, Dr. Fry-Bowers ensures that students understand how policy, culture, and community all intersect in healthcare. Her goal is to prepare graduates who are as capable of driving change as they are of delivering care.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Fry-Bowers’ vision is both ambitious and clear: transform healthcare by transforming how health professionals are educated. Through strategic partnerships, curricular innovation, and unwavering focus on justice, she is positioning the University of San Francisco as a national model for nursing and health professions education.

At a time when healthcare needs are growing more complex, Dr. Fry-Bowers remains committed to preparing leaders who can meet those needs with courage, compassion, and conviction. Her work is shaping not only the future of her institution but the future of healthcare delivery itself.