About

Jennifer Fernandez is a senior higher education executive and healthcare workforce leader serving as Dean of Nursing at Delgado Community College’s Charity School of Nursing, one of Louisiana’s largest and most influential nursing education programs. In this role, she provides executive leadership for multiple nursing and healthcare programs, more than 1,000 nursing students, over 50 full-time faculty and staff, and a large adjunct workforce across multiple campuses.

Jennifer leads at the intersection of higher education, healthcare, workforce development, and economic mobility. Her portfolio includes strategic planning, accreditation and regulatory compliance, academic operations, faculty leadership, program expansion, workforce partnerships, simulation and emerging technologies, and developing innovative pathways to address Louisiana’s nursing workforce needs. She regularly collaborates with healthcare executives, state agencies, educational leaders, and industry partners to advance initiatives with regional and statewide impact.

Known for moving complex initiatives from vision to execution, Jennifer has led nursing program growth, strengthened employer partnerships, expanded access to nursing education, and advanced strategies designed to increase the number of practice-ready nurses entering Louisiana’s workforce. Her leadership extends beyond institutional operations to broader conversations around workforce policy, academic innovation, leadership development, and the future of nursing education.

Jennifer is also pursuing a PhD in Nursing Education and Administration at William Carey University, with research focused on leadership behaviors, faculty retention, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. She is deeply committed to developing strong teams, creating opportunities for others, and ensuring women have a meaningful voice at the tables where important decisions are made.

At her core, Jennifer is a builder, connector, and decisive leader who believes executive leadership should deliver measurable results, open doors for others, and leave organizations stronger than she found them.