WMU Bronson School of Nursing welcomes Brad Phillips as director
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s Bronson School of Nursing has welcomed Brad Phillips, Ph.D., R.N., as its new director. He brings a background in pediatric nursing, nursing education, research and academic leadership to the role.
Phillips began his nursing career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, where he discovered a passion for teaching and leadership while serving as a preceptor and charge nurse. After earning his master’s degree in nursing education, he joined West Virginia University as a pediatric clinical faculty member, combining his clinical experience with his interest in educating and mentoring undergraduate nursing students while completing his Ph.D.
His research focuses on the health and well-being of family caregivers of children and youth with special healthcare needs. Following completion of his doctorate, Phillips held both a tenure-track faculty position and a senior leadership role within his school, further developing his experience in teaching, research and academic administration. After earning tenure, he began looking for an opportunity to return to Michigan and be closer to family—a search that ultimately brought him to WMU.
“I am a nurse first and an educator second, and I am incredibly proud to be a nurse,” Phillips says. “As nurses, we are committed to supporting the overall health and well-being of those we serve, whether that is a patient, family, community or student.”
Phillips says his commitment to nursing and nursing education has been shaped not by a single defining moment, but by the cumulative impact of meaningful relationships and positive outcomes for patients, families and students.
“We have the unique privilege of meeting people where they are during some of their most vulnerable moments,” he says. “It is truly empowering to know that you can make a meaningful difference in the life of another.”
As he begins his tenure as director, Phillips says his first priority is to listen and learn. He plans to spend his first year developing a deeper understanding of the school’s culture, identifying opportunities for growth and innovation and learning more about challenges that may be limiting progress or change.
He also hopes to build on the Bronson School of Nursing’s existing strengths, including its commitment to educational excellence, student-centered support and community impact through holistic nursing.
“I hope to build on those strengths by continuing to foster a culture of belonging, deepen community partnerships, and encourage growth and innovation that will strengthen the nursing workforce across southwest Michigan and beyond,” Phillips says.
Phillips is particularly excited about opportunities to collaborate with clinical partners and the broader community to expand access to nursing education and strengthen the nursing workforce pipeline. He has already begun conversations with local clinical partners and says he is optimistic about what lies ahead for the school.
For current nursing students, Phillips has a simple message: Remember why you chose nursing.
“Always return to your ‘why,’” he says. “Everyone’s journey into nursing is unique, and each of us chooses this profession for our own reasons.”
Whether students were inspired by a nurse in their family, influenced by a meaningful interaction with a nurse or motivated by a desire to care for others, Phillips encourages them to stay connected to the purpose that brought them to the profession.
“It will sustain you when the work is challenging and guide you when the path ahead feels uncertain,” he says. “We are proud of you, and we will support you every step of the way.”
As the new director of the WMU Bronson School of Nursing, Phillips looks forward to continuing to grow as a leader while serving students, faculty, clinical partners and the communities the school serves.
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