University appoints new nursing program leader

EducationPeople

Jun 24

Written By Staff

Gay L. Landstrom | Photo courtesy of Cornerstone University

Cornerstone University has appointed Gay L. Landstrom, Ph.D., RN, as assistant dean, chief nurse administrator, and professor of nursing in its School of Health, Science & Technology.

Landstrom, a nationally recognized nursing leader, researcher, and pioneer in health care innovation, has spent her career advancing nursing leadership, technology-enabled care, and new models of care delivery across some of the nation's largest health care organizations. In her new role, she will provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership for Cornerstone's nursing program and health disciplines while helping prepare graduates for a health care profession increasingly shaped by innovation, emerging technologies, and evolving models of care.

“Few nursing leaders have shaped health care innovation, nursing practice, and workforce development on the scale Dr. Landstrom has," said Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, President of Cornerstone University. "Cornerstone welcomes Dr. Landstrom and eagerly anticipates all the many great accomplishments to which she will lead our nursing program and students while remaining steadfast to Cornerstone’s Christ-first mission and Biblical Christian worldview."

Landstrom joins Cornerstone as the university continues to expand its CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Now entering its sixth year, the program includes simulation-based learning and clinical partnerships. Graduates achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in both 2024 and 2025.

She previously held senior leadership roles with Trinity Health, Ascension, and Dartmouth Health. As senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Trinity Health, she oversaw nursing practice across 101 hospitals, more than 200 ambulatory clinics, and about 33,000 registered nurses.

Her work has focused on virtual nursing, patient safety, quality improvement, workforce development, and care delivery models. She has led initiatives to integrate virtual and bedside care, develop leadership pipelines, and advance nursing research and education.

"Preparing the next generation of nursing leaders and clinical professionals is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of health care," said Landstrom. "I am honored to join Cornerstone as we equip students for a profession being transformed by innovation, emerging technologies, and new models of care. Cornerstone's commitment to academic excellence and a Christ-centered worldview provides a distinctive foundation for developing health care professionals who serve others with both clinical expertise and compassion."

Landstrom holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Illinois Chicago, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude, from Rush University. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Fellow of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, and Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives

"Dr. Landstrom is widely respected for her contributions to nursing leadership, scholarship, and health care innovation," said Dr. Nathan Lanning, Dean of Cornerstone University's School of Health, Science & Technology. "Her experience developing nurse leaders, advancing research, building health care partnerships, and implementing new models of care will enrich our nursing program and create new opportunities for students. We are honored to welcome a leader of her caliber to Cornerstone."

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