NATCHEZ — Alcorn State University’s School of Nursing is welcoming some new faces.

The school hired a new dean and assistant dean, who started work at the beginning of July. The new dean is Dr. Debra Spring and the new assistant dean is Dr. Rebecca Fairchild.

Spring, a native of Brookhaven, graduated in 1975 from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and received her master’s degree in 1979.

She received her Ph.D. in nursing education from William Carey College in 2014.

“Pretty much my entire career has been devoted to education,” Spring said.

Spring worked at Hinds Community College as the assistant dean of nursing before coming to Alcorn.

“I had an opportunity to serve at a university level and I thought that would be a good opportunity for me,” Spring said.

Fairchild had similar feelings about her new role. Like Spring, she’s a Mississippi native, having grown up in Jasper County.

She also attended USM and received her Ph.D. from William Carey. In the past, she has worked at various nursing programs in Mississippi and Virginia.

As a result, Fairchild said she’s bringing 10 years of curriculum experience to Alcorn, and knows how to work with day-to-day student issues.

“I think one of the greatest strengths I bring will be curriculum development,” Fairchild said.

Spring and Fairchild worked together at Hinds.

“We know how to work with each other,” Fairchild said.

Spring said the two have enjoyed the environment at Alcorn and Natchez.

“People have been very warm and welcomed us into the community,” Spring said.

After approximately a month in Natchez, the two are working hard to get the school ready for incoming students on Aug. 24.

“I’m trying to get the program to where it is recognized as a premier nursing program in the South, in the state and particularly in this region of the state,” Spring said.

Spring also said she has a student-focused approach and wants to provide an environment for students to be successful in the rigorous program.

Both are looking forward to the new school year.

“I’m looking forward to establishing and developing working relationships with the faculty here and getting to know the students,” Fairchild said.