Nursing director resigned, duties split up

Lisa O’Neil resigned as director of the nursing program at Montana State University-Northern Monday after a three-week administrative leave.

Her duties have been split up into two positions – director of the nursing bachelor’s program and director of the nursing associate’s degree program. Arlys Williams, a nursing professor before the switch, is now the director of the associate’s program. The bachelor’s program director position remains vacant.

The duties of this vacant position are being split between Williams, Dean of the College of Education, Arts and Sciences and Nursing Christine Shearer-Cremean, and Norton Pease, a professor of the graphic design program and chair of the department.

“We decided to split because it’s corresponding to changes in national accreditation,” Director of University Relations Jim Potter said. “The programs are so dissimilar. To split them up will allow them to focus on each program individually.”

“Lisa resigned from her position,” Potter said. “We really appreciate the service and dedication she gave the department. We will definitely miss her and what she has done for the program. She’s worked very hard for many years and has been a very important part of the program.”

O’Neil is now employed at Northern Montana Hospital. She and Williams were unable to comment on the situation.

Potter said efforts to find someone to take the vacant position at MSU-N are currently underway.

This change in administration adds to the tumult found in evaluations of the program in October.