Dr. Jorge A. Valdés is the Dean of the Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Florida International University (FIU).
A proud first-generation college student and Miami native, Dr. Valdés shares a deep connection to the city and is committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging within the FIU community. Dr. Valdés is a certified nurse anesthesiologist with a prolific nursing career spanning over twenty years.
He brings a wealth of experience in healthcare education and administration, with a focus on fostering academic excellence, driving research innovation, and strengthening community and industry partnerships. His work has translated into transformational leadership in health education and legislative action.
He has served the FIU community in a variety of leadership roles including faculty and Chair of the
Department of Nurse Anesthesiology where he made significant contributions to the field through
the expansion of high-quality nurse education, scholarship, and solidifying a dedicated workforce of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
Under his tenure, Dr. Valdés was instrumental in enhancing a strong foundation of FIU CRNA’s across the nation by increasing the first time pass rate of the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) exam and leading the re-accreditation of the nurse anesthesiology program by the Council of Accreditation (COA).
As dean, he has partnered with state and community stakeholders to implement initiatives enhancing healthcare education, including the expansion of the university’s nursing programs, launching new academic programs, and fostering a strong sense of community within the college.
His commitment to student and faculty engagement is central to his leadership, with initiatives that leverage partnerships, enhance mentorship, and research excellence, all while building an environment where every student feels valued and supported.