OADNOADN
PhD, RN
Dr. Patricia Gagliano, the Dean of Nursing at Indian River State College, is a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in nursing. Her knowledge of clinical practice and nursing education is a cornerstone of her leadership. As Dean, Dr. Gagliano oversees five nursing programs and guides the academic journey of more than 1,000 nursing students. Her expertise spans a broad spectrum, including nursing workforce advancement, higher education persistence and completion, programmatic expansion, regulatory compliance, curriculum development and maintenance, and collaborative partnerships.
Dr. Gagliano's academic credentials, including a doctorate in nursing from Barry University in Miami, Florida, underscore her commitment to excellence in her field. Her dedication to nursing and education is further demonstrated by her active roles in several organizations. She is a peer evaluator for the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and a board member of the Florida Center for Nursing Well-Being Advisory and the Nursing Consortium of Florida. She was inducted as a Fellow with the Organization of Associate Degree in November of 2025. Dr. Gagliano is also an active member of the Florida Organization of Associate Degree Nursing, the Florida Council of Nurse Education Administrators, the Florida Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Florida Nurses Association, the Nursing Action Coalition of Florida, the National Organization of Associate Degree Nursing, QUIN Council, and the School Health Advisory Council of Martin County. In 2025, Dr. Gagliano was recognized as a recipient of the News Service of Florida Above & Beyond Award, recognizing 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.