Goodwin University is proudly recognized as a leading institution for aspiring nurses. With programs ranging from certificates to master’s degrees and Connecticut’s largest Nursing Simulation Center, Goodwin is committed to preparing compassionate, confident healthcare professionals who are ready to make a difference.
Now, the University is welcoming a new leader to help shape the future of that mission. Erica Rizzo has joined Goodwin as assistant dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, bringing two decades of clinical experience, extensive expertise in nursing education, and a passion for supporting both students and faculty.
We sat down with Rizzo to learn more about her career journey, what drew her to Goodwin, and her vision for strengthening nursing education and student success.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to a career in nursing education?
I’ve worked in patient care, professional development, and higher education.
I’ve taught nursing programs at different levels, from the PN certificate to undergraduate and graduate programs. I’ve also participated in faculty development and curriculum initiatives to help develop newer faculty, build their confidence and competence, and make an impact on students so they have the skills and knowledge to go out into the community and be successful.
All of those experiences have been really essential in leading me to where I am here at Goodwin.
What drew you to Goodwin University?
Goodwin’s Nursing programs have a positive reputation in Connecticut. Every year, we graduate the most Nursing students in the state. I welcomed the opportunity to be a part of that legacy.
Goodwin’s mission and commitment to students really speak to me and align with my own values. I’ve always put students first when serving as faculty — it’s really their experience, right? So, how can we help them succeed in their lives and careers?
Why were you interested in serving as the Assistant Dean for the School of Nursing and Health Professions?
What attracted me to this position is being able to continue working with students, supporting faculty, and contributing to programmatic needs. I also valued the opportunity to help build strong programs and work collaboratively with colleagues to solve any problems or challenges we may face.
It’s a good blend of everything I enjoy and the type of environment I want to work in.
What excites you most about stepping into this new role?
I think it’s the ability to continue to grow. In education, I know we throw around the term lifelong learner — but that is certainly me. I like to keep moving forward and trying new opportunities.
This role excites me because I can continue to grow as an academic leader. I’ve done some leadership in the past in a practical nursing program, but this really is at another level. It gives me the chance to broaden my perspective, learn from more experienced colleagues, and continue to grow my skills. In a supportive environment such as Goodwin, I feel supported and comfortable continuing to grow.
What are some of your priorities and goals as you begin your role as assistant dean?
Faculty development is a strong need. There is a nationwide faculty shortage, and incoming faculty may not always have the background experience to feel comfortable jumping into a classroom.
One of the bigger priorities that I’ve been working on is developing a 10-module course for new Nursing faculty to support their growth and help them teach as effectively as they can. We’re pairing those efforts with the restructuring of our Nursing faculty mentoring program. Hopefully, it can give them a full support system for learning about higher education, as well as the nuances of nursing education.
The School of Nursing and Health Professions prepares students for careers that directly impact the health and well-being of their communities. What do you hope to help students gain from their Goodwin experience?
Strong clinical knowledge and skills will be the foundation of their success coming out of the programs. But they also need the confidence that they’re trained well and can make critical decisions when they need to happen in the clinical setting.
Nursing is challenging. We know that it is not an easy career. It can be emotionally and physically demanding, but you have to remain professional. So, developing those skills is essential to helping our students get where they need to be to succeed in today’s nursing field.
What are you most looking forward to in the months ahead?
I look forward to continuing to become a part of the community, meeting more students, spending more time with the faculty, and celebrating accomplishments — whether those are student, faculty, programmatic, or school-wide. I also look forward to being part of a collaborative team and helping develop new ideas.
I’m excited to continue creating a culture that faculty and students want to be a part of — where they feel valued, and we’re all working towards a common purpose.
The future of nursing education
Rizzo is carving out a new path for nursing education. With diverse professional experience and a steadfast commitment to collaboration, lifelong learning, and student-centered instruction, she’s ready to make a lasting impact at Goodwin.
Whether you’re an aspiring nurse or an RN who’s ready to advance in your career, Goodwin University’s Nursing programs will prepare you with the confidence and skills to succeed. Ready to get started? Learn more about our Nursing programs today!
Bri Gagné is a content developer at Goodwin University, bringing backgrounds in literary studies, creative storytelling, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and social justice. They earned their bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Film Studies, and Gender Studies from University of Connecticut and a master’s in Elementary Education from Eastern Connecticut State University.
After teaching English abroad and locally, Bri transitioned to a full-time writing career, contributing to the University’s educational narratives and brand-building efforts. They are currently earning their Master of Fine Arts in Popular Fiction Writing and Publishing at Emerson College.