Nursing Dean Recognized Among Florida’s 50 Most Influential Women Leaders
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2025) – Dr. Patricia Gagliano, Dean of the School of Nursing at Indian River State College (“The River”), was honored as a recipient of the News Service of Florida Above & Beyond Award at the organization’s 3rd annual Above & Beyond Gala at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Tallahassee.
The Above & Beyond Award celebrated the 50 most influential and thought-provoking women in Florida who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in their respective fields while making significant contributions to society. Dr. Gagliano was selected for her transformative work in nursing education and her dedication to advancing the nursing profession across Florida.
Dr. Patricia Gagliano, PhD, RN
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Gagliano. “This award reflects not just my work, but the collective efforts of our incredible faculty, staff, and students at Indian River State College. For more than 25 years, I have been passionate about promoting excellence and innovation in nursing education, and it is gratifying to see our programs making a meaningful impact on healthcare in our community and beyond.”
As Dean of the School of Nursing since 2017, Dr. Gagliano oversees multiple nursing programs across six sites, managing everything from curriculum development to regulatory compliance and clinical partnerships. Under her leadership, The River has successfully implemented concept-based curriculum, NCLEX blueprinting, and NextGen assessment methodologies, resulting in strong licensure attainment and job placement rates for graduates.
“Dr. Gagliano’s recognition as one of Florida’s 50 most influential women leaders is a testament to her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to nursing education,” said Dr. Heather Belmont, Provost of Indian River State College. “Under her guidance, our School of Nursing has become a model for innovation and excellence, preparing highly skilled nurses who are meeting critical healthcare needs throughout our region. This honor reflects the profound impact she has made on our institution, our students, and the communities we serve. We are incredibly proud to have Dr. Gagliano as part of The River family.”
Dr. Gagliano holds a PhD in Nursing from Barry University, where she focused her dissertation research on predictors of academic success for nontraditional nursing students. She also earned her master’s degree in nursing administration and bachelor’s degree in nursing from Barry University. Her 27-year tenure at Indian River State College includes 18 years as a nursing instructor and professor before assuming her current role as Dean.
Indian River State College’s School of Nursing is recognized as one of Florida’s premier nursing education programs, offering a comprehensive range of programs including Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) pathways. The school operates across six locations throughout the Treasure Coast, providing accessible, high-quality nursing education to aspiring healthcare professionals. With state-of-the-art simulation labs, experienced faculty, and strong clinical partnerships with regional healthcare facilities, The River’s nursing programs consistently achieve high NCLEX pass rates and graduate employment rates, producing job-ready nurses who go on to serve in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities across Florida and beyond.
The Above & Beyond Gala featured networking, cocktails, keynote remarks, and the presentation of awards to all 50 honorees. The evening brought together influential women leaders from across Florida for a celebration of their achievements and contributions to their communities.
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