Dr. Kimberley Lamarche Appointed First Dean of Cape Breton University’s School of Nursing

Cape Breton University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kimberley Lamarche as the first Dean of CBU’s School of Nursing.

A nurse practitioner, educator and researcher, Dr. Lamarche has held many impressive roles in the nursing field. Throughout her career, she has been involved in various levels of local, provincial, and national nursing initiatives, committees, and organizations.

“Dr. Lamarche is highly skilled in the nursing profession and will bring strong leadership and a unique perspective to our students as they prepare for important careers in the healthcare field,” says David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “This role is more important than ever as we at CBU work with the provincial government to prioritize health care initiatives in Cape Breton. I look forward to working with Dr. Lamarche as we continue to grow our nursing program here at CBU.”

Originally from New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Dr. Lamarche graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) in 1996 and began her career as a Registered Nurse in Cape Breton prior to joining the Canadian Forces. Since then, in addition to her strategic regulatory roles she has held various roles in clinical practice within the military and primary care as a Nurse Practitioner, and within academic and clinical leadership at the rank of full professor. This announcement follows last week’s provincial announcement of the expansion of CBU’s nursing program with an additional 28 seats.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the CBU team as the Dean of Cape Breton University’s School of Nursing,” says Dr. Lamarche. “CBU’s Bachelor of Nursing programs, faculty and students have a stellar reputation and I am looking forward to building on the exceptional work that is being done not only within the School but within the community.”

In addition to her BScN from the University of Ottawa, Dr. Lamarche is bilingual and holds an Emergency/Critical Care Diploma (Red River College), an Advanced Graduate Diploma (Nurse Practitioner) and a Master of Health Studies degree (Athabasca University). Dr. Lamarche also completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a concentration in Clinical Leadership from Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. Lamarche will be Cape Breton University’s first Dean of the School of Nursing. Her impressive and broad experience will bring a high-calibre level of expertise to the School, which will be paramount as CBU undertakes innovative strategic health initiatives in the coming years. Dr. Lamarche will play a vital role in the University’s continued efforts to improve healthcare in Cape Breton and ensure Nova Scotians get the access to the care they need and deserve.

Dr. Lamarche will assume her role as Dean of the School of Nursing on May 16, 2022.