Vinciya Pandian, PhD, MBA, MSN, ACNP-BC, FCCM, FAANP, FAAN, FFNMRCSI, is Dean and Professor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Nursing, where she holds the Lisa and Greg Reed Endowed Dean’s Chair. She also serves as Associate Senior Vice President for Nursing Academic-Practice Partnerships with the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

A recognized nurse scientist, educator, and leader, Dr. Pandian brings expertise in digital health, artificial intelligence, immersive learning, simulation, robotics, and technology-enabled care. She previously served as Assistant Dean of Immersive Learning and Digital Innovation at the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and led the Center for Immersive Learning and Digital Innovation, an AHRQ-funded patient safety learning laboratory. Her work has advanced the use of mixed reality, virtual reality, wearable simulation, autonomous robotics, and digital tools to improve education, clinical decision-making, workforce readiness, and patient safety.

With clinical roots in critical care and advanced practice nursing, Dr. Pandian is committed to ensuring that innovation strengthens, rather than diminishes, human connection. Her global health leadership spans nursing workforce development, international research, community partnership, and capacity building. She is passionate about mentoring students, faculty, staff, and emerging leaders to shape a more equitable, resilient, transparent, and sustainable future for health.