The former national chief nursing officer (CNO) for England has been appointed as professor of nursing at an East of England university.
Professor Dame Ruth May, who retired as CNO last year, joins Anglia Ruskin University as professor of nursing and health systems leadership, based in the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care.
“It will be a great privilege to continue to play a part in helping the next generation of nurses”
Ruth May
Dame Ruth said Anglia Ruskin had a “special place” in her heart, adding: “As a local resident too, it will be a great privilege to continue to play a part in helping the next generation of nurses, midwives and other health professionals on their path to an incredibly rewarding career.”
Having started her career as a theatre nurse, Dame Ruth later moved into leadership and served as director of nursing at NHS Improvement before becoming CNO in 2019.
In 2009, Dame Ruth was awarded an honourary doctorate by Anglia Ruskin in recognition of her work for the NHS.
She was made a dame in 2022, for services to nursing, midwifery and the NHS, having lead the profession through the Covid-19 pandemic.
The university said one of Dame Ruth’s focuses in her new role would be on ensuring that healthcare students had an “excellent” experience at university, in particular regarding practice learning and employability.
Professor Jackie Kelly, pro vice chancellor and dean of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care at Anglia Ruskin, congratulated Dame Ruth on her appointment.
She added: “We look forward to drawing from Ruth’s vast knowledge and expertise developed over an impactful career in the NHS including overseeing the health service during the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the most significant global societal events in recent history.
“Ruth will make a unique contribution, further enhancing our students’ experience, partnership collaboration and the impact of Anglia Ruskin University across the region.”
