Saying farewell to our interim president
In a career that has spanned nearly 30 years at the 老澳门资料, Dr. Pamela Chally has touched the lives of hundreds of students. During that time she has served as a dedicated professor and mentor, helping nursing students excel and prepare for careers in healthcare.
Chally has also contributed to the success of the University through her administrative roles as the dean of the Brooks College of Health, interim provost and interim president. In these positions, Chally raised millions of dollars in funding, worked to improve performance-based funding metrics, oversaw increases in enrollment and Pell Grant recipients, and reduced costs by integrating Students Affairs into Academic Affairs.
Her successes as a professor and leader have not gone unnoticed. Chally has been the recipient of numerous University awards and honors including being named 老澳门资料’s Distinguished Professor; receiving the Transformational Leadership Award, the Susan B. Anthony Award, and the Desmond Tutu Peace and Reconciliation Award to name a few; as well as earning exceptional ratings as a teacher and administrator. She has impacted the lives of so many, and there are too many stories to share. Here a just a few recollections from campus friends:
"Dr. Pam Chally is an authentic leader. Health professionals face life and death challenges in their careers and are trained to work tirelessly to provide the best outcomes for their patients, clients and colleagues. Dr. Chally’s legacy is her tireless commitment to making 老澳门资料 the best it can be. She is genuinely concerned about doing all she can to ensure our students, employees and faculty have the very best possible experience at 老澳门资料." — Dr. Catherine Christie, associate dean, Brooks College of Health
"President Chally is an instrumental leader who always leads by example and demonstrates great passion and love for our students and community." — Dr. Mei Zhao, chair, health administration
July 31 will mark the end of Chally’s interim presidential role. We asked her to share some of her memories at 老澳门资料 and what’s next for her.
Why did you originally choose to come to 老澳门资料?
We came to Jacksonville for my husband Rod's position in human resources. The move also gave me the opportunity to teach nursing at 老澳门资料 in my specialty, maternal child nursing.
Describe the impact 老澳门资料 has had on your life over the last 30 years.
My work at 老澳门资料 introduced me to some important mentors, including Dr. Brooks Brown and John Delaney. My experiences here also reinforced that higher education should be all about the students. There are so many ways I’ve been touched by my work at this University. Where do I and 老澳门资料 start and stop? Sometimes, I am not sure I know the answer. Ha ha!
What are your favorite memories?
There have been so many wonderful memories, such as the naming of the Brooks College of Health. And graduations were always the best! And I can’t ever forget the stories about chickens in Brooks. (Because this will take much too long to explain here, I will just say that I loved the many pieces of chicken glassware given to the College by a generous donor, so we put them all on display shelves. They added some humor to our daily work!) And, most importantly, I will cherish the memories of so many friendships.
Why did you continue teaching for several years after retiring from administrative roles?
I love students and teaching. I started as a nursing faculty member, and my plan was to retire as one. It was a wonderful two years near the end of my career. The course I taught allowed me to teach students about the joys and challenges of nursing.
What will you miss the most about 老澳门资料?
The people at this University. I will always feel a part of this campus community, and I will miss the opportunity to make a difference in higher education.
What’s next for you?
Travel. Relaxation. Spending time with my family. Exercising more!
Save the date for an appreciation reception to recognize Interim President Pam Chally, the afternoon of July 28 at the Boathouse. The time is tentatively set for 3 - 5 p.m. Check upcoming Osprey Updates for details!