Indiana University has named Janet S. Carpenter, PhD, RN, FAAN, as the next dean of the School of Nursing, effective November 20.
Carpenter assumes the role after serving as interim dean since August 2024. She is the Audrey Geisel Endowed Chair in Innovation, a Distinguished Professor, and is recognized as one of the world’s leading researchers on menopause symptoms.
“Dr. Carpenter has demonstrated outstanding leadership during a pivotal year for the IU School of Nursing,” said Jay Gladden, provost and executive vice chancellor. “Her commitment to academic excellence and student success, her deep research expertise, and her ability to develop relationships with external partners have propelled the school forward. We look forward to the continued momentum she will bring as dean.”
Carpenter joined the IU School of Nursing faculty in 2003 as an associate professor and was promoted to full professor in 2008. From 2014 to 2021, she served as the associate dean of research.
Over the course of her career, Carpenter has made significant contributions to advancing the understanding and treatment of menopausal symptoms. She created the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale, which is now available in more than 20 languages and used worldwide. She has also led clinical trials testing menopause symptom treatments and co-authored hot flash treatment recommendations issued by the North American Menopause Society.
An accomplished artist, Carpenter created an exhibit that uses sculptures, digital media, and music to educate the public about hot flashes. She has authored more than 200 publications, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and an active member of several national and international organizations.
“Stepping into the role of dean is an extraordinary honor,” Carpenter said. “Serving as the interim dean over the past year has shown me the remarkable strength of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, emeriti faculty, and many friends of the school. I look forward to continuing our work of preparing Indiana’s nursing workforce, expanding innovative research, and equipping the next generation of nurses to lead with compassion, expertise, and impact.”
Carpenter earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Oakland University and completed both her MSN and PhD at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing. She received postdoctoral training in behavioral oncology and cancer symptoms at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Science before working as an assistant and then associate professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing.
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About IU School of Nursing
The IU School of Nursing is annually ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation. Founded in 1914, the school offers programs from the BSN through the doctorate and is composed of campuses in Bloomington, Fort Wayne, and Indianapolis. IU School of Nursing rose to No. 13 in the nation for undergraduate nursing programs in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings—up 26 spots from the previous year.
Media Contact: Glenda Shaw | 317-278-2048 | glenshaw@iu.edu