Florida Nursing Program Names New Dean
Healthcare employers and staffing firms in Florida get a new leader for a major nursing pipeline.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in People
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Eastern Florida State College has named Dr. Sharon A. Grason its Dean of Nursing, placing a nurse educator with more than 25 years of experience in charge of one of Florida's premier nursing programs. The appointment matters to operators in healthcare staffing and training, since the program's output feeds regional clinical workforce pipelines.
Why it matters
Nursing programs are a primary supply line for the hospitals, clinics, and staffing firms that hire registered nurses in Florida. Leadership changes at a program of this kind shape curriculum, accreditation readiness, and partnerships with local healthcare employers, which in turn affect how quickly qualified graduates reach the job market.
Dr. Sharon A. Grason brings more than 25 years of experience across nursing education, healthcare leadership, clinical practice, and medical affairs. At her prior institution, the Georgia Gwinnett College nursing program she founded as inaugural director reported NCLEX pass rates above 98% and a 100% graduate employment rate.
The players
Eastern Florida State College
A public college based in Brevard County, Florida, that offers nursing and other health programs to local students.
Dr. Sharon A. Grason
A Ph.D.-holding registered nurse with more than 25 years in nursing education and healthcare leadership, formerly of AVITA Medical and Georgia Gwinnett College.
AVITA Medical
A regenerative medicine company focused on burn and wound care technologies, for which Grason previously directed medical education.
Georgia Gwinnett College
A public college in Georgia where Grason founded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and reported high licensing and employment outcomes.
The details
Grason holds a Ph.D. and is a registered nurse, and her career spans clinical trauma work, healthcare training, and industry education. She previously served as Director of Medical Education at AVITA Medical, where she led national clinician-training initiatives tied to regenerative medicine and burn care. At Georgia Gwinnett College, she established the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and led curriculum development, accreditation efforts, faculty mentoring, and partnerships with healthcare organizations.
Timeline
Article announcing the appointment published November 4, 2026.
Start date in the Dean of Nursing role was not stated in the source.
Market Landscape
Florida nursing programs compete for students and clinical placements, and licensing pass rates such as those tracked on the NCLEX are a common signal used by employers and students comparing schools. The appointment places a leader whose record is built on those outcomes at a program in a state with ongoing demand for registered nurses.
Healthcare employers and staffing firms in Florida should note a leadership change at a regional nursing pipeline that may shape future graduate volumes and clinical partnerships. Operators who hire registered nurses may want to watch for announced curriculum or partnership changes at the college over the coming academic cycle.
The takeaway
Leadership at nursing programs directly affects the supply of licensed nurses that Florida employers depend on, so staffing and healthcare operators should monitor the program's enrollment and partnership announcements. Track the start date and any stated program goals once the new dean takes office, as these will indicate how the pipeline may change.
Further reading
For related coverage of executive moves in the field, see People in our business section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Space Coast Daily.
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