Salva School begins next chapter

During the August opening of our new nursing education building for the Rita & Larry Salva School of Nursing & Health Professions, the Rowan community came together to celebrate the growth of the program and its bright future. That event also marked a transition in leadership.

Peter Rattigan, founding dean of Salva School, stepped down from his role effective September 1. During his tenure as dean, Dr. Rattigan was instrumental in shaping the school’s growth and success. He led the launch of Rowan’s first four-year nursing program, advanced New Jersey’s only bachelor’s degree program in respiratory therapy and oversaw significant growth in enrollment, external funding and accreditation across all programs.

Dr. Rattigan also guided the expansion of the Nursing, Health & Exercise Science, and Allied Health departments, building new clinical and community college partnerships and broadening academic offerings. A member of the Health & Exercise Science faculty since 2000, Dr. Rattigan’s career-long commitment to student success and scholarship created meaningful opportunities for undergraduate research, publication and professional achievement.

The entire university community extends deep gratitude to Dr. Rattigan for his extraordinary service, leadership and commitment to students, faculty and the University. He will return to the faculty following his sabbatical.

Welcome, Dr. David

As the university embarks on a national search for a new dean later this fall, we are pleased to share that Dr. Margarita David, founding director of Interprofessional Education for Virtua Health College of Medicine & Life Sciences of Rowan University, has agreed to serve as interim dean of the Salva School.

Dr. David is a highly respected nurse educator, clinician and simulation expert with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare. Prior to assuming her role with VHC in March 2025, she served as director of simulation programming at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine.

She also has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and has presented nationally and internationally on simulation-based education, debriefing strategies and healthcare leadership. She is deeply engaged in mentorship, advising DNP projects and medical student research.

We are fortunate to have Dr. David guiding the Salva School during this transition. Her experience in healthcare education and interprofessional collaboration will be valuable as the school continues to advance its academic programs, support student success and strengthen its partnerships.

Welcome, Dr. David!