West Palm Beach, Fla. (April 17, 2026) — After a nationwide search, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adejoke Bolanle Ayoola, Ph.D., as the new Dean of the School of Nursing. Dr. Ayoola will officially assume her leadership role on July 1, 2026. She brings over two decades of experience in nursing education and joins the University as Dean Kimberly Fenstermacher prepares for retirement this summer after serving in the role for two years.
In this role, Dr. Ayoola will continue to shape the future of nursing education at PBA, enhancing the institution’s nursing programs, strengthening health care partnerships in Palm Beach County, and fostering an environment of learning and professional growth for nursing students, faculty, and staff.
“Please join me in welcoming Dr. Ayoola as she prepares to champion Christ-first academic excellence, elevate our School of Nursing, and equip students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, provost and chief academic officer at PBA. “In her previous roles, she joyfully brought a servant-leadership approach to her work of elevating academic excellence in Christian higher education to her students, faculty, and communities. We also thank Dr. Fenstermacher for her bold leadership at our school, and wish her well as she embraces a well-deserved retirement.”
About Dr. Ayoola
A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Ayoola brings a distinguished record as a practitioner, educator, researcher, and academic leader. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria and later earned a Ph.D. at Michigan State University.
Previously, she taught at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she served for 19 years in progressive leadership roles, including Inaugural Dean of the School of Health. In this capacity, she oversaw 21 undergraduate and graduate programs spanning nursing, pre-medicine, and public health, while advancing academic quality, program growth, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“It is with great joy and a deep sense of calling that I step into this role and join the vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff at PBA,” said Dr. Ayoola. “I look forward to partnering together as we prepare the next generation of nursing professionals who pursue academic and clinical excellence, embody Christ-like compassion, and champion holistic wellness through interprofessional collaboration. My hope is that the School of Nursing will continue to prepare nurse educators, advocates, and transformational leaders who serve God with courage, uplift the communities they touch, and help shape a world where every person can flourish spiritually, physically, socially, and emotionally through high-quality, evidence-based nursing care.”
PBA’s School of Nursing offers a comprehensive array of programs across all levels of nursing education. Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which is also available in an accelerated format for RNs (Registered Nurses). Graduate offerings include a Master of Science in Nursing with tracks in Health Systems Leadership, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Executive Leadership, Family Nurse Practice, and Psychiatric Mental Health.
Advanced Practice Nurses can enhance their expertise through the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, which offers specializations in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Executive Leadership, Family Nurse Practice, a Post-Master’s Concentration, and Psychiatric Mental Health.
The School of Nursing’s robust curriculum prepares students for licensing and certification exams relevant to their specific programs, such as the NCLEX for BSN graduates and various national certification exams for DNP specialties.
Learn more about PBA’s nursing programs and accreditation here.
