The University of California Board of Regents recently approved the appointment of Heather Young, a nurse leader, educator, and scientist from Portland, Oregon, as associate vice chancellor for nursing at UC Davis. Young, a nationally recognized expert in gerontological nursing and rural health, will lead a new school of nursing at UC Davis, now under review by the University Board of Regents. Upon Regent’s approval this fall of the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, Young will also hold the title of dean at the school. Young is a UC Davis alumna who graduated in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in dietetics. She later earned an associate's degree in nursing from Sacramento City College, and then a bachelor's degree in nursing from Southern Oregon State College. Young then went to the University of Washington, where she received a master's degree in nursing with a specialty in gerontology and, later, a doctorate in nursing science. Prior to returning to UC Davis, Young was the Grace Phelps distinguished Professor, director of Rural Health Research Development and director of the John A. Hartford Center for Geriatric Nursing Excellence Research at the Oregon Health and Science University School of Nursing. She is also a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.