Dr. Bernadette Henrichs appointed dean of Goldfarb School of Nursing

Dr. Bernadette Henrichs, dean of Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing

Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing has announced the appointment of Bernadette Henrichs, PhD, CRNA, CCRN, CHSE, FAANA, FAAN, as its new dean, effective mid-June. A respected nurse leader and educator with more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Henrichs steps into the role as chief academic officer, responsible for overseeing all academic programs and educational policy within the college.

For many at Goldfarb, Dr. Henrichs is already a familiar face. She is a professor and director of the nurse anesthesia program at the college and serves as director of CRNA education and research in the department of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine. Over her career, she has taught thousands of students, built one of the nation’s premier nurse anesthesia programs, and maintained an active clinical presence in the operating room.

“Dr. Henrichs is a transformational leader whose passion for nursing education and clinical excellence is evident in everything she does,” says Angela Clark, PhD, RN, FAAN, president of Goldfarb. “Her ability to build rigorous programming, inspire students, and support faculty is unmatched. She brings vision, stability, and a deep knowledge of Goldfarb, BJC, and WashU’s values and history. I am confident she will lead our school into a bold and exciting future.”

Dr. Henrichs holds a PhD and MSN from Saint Louis University and completed her nurse anesthesia training through WashU Medicine. Over the course of her distinguished career, she has earned numerous honors, including the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Helen Lamb Outstanding Educator of the Year Award (2022), the AANA Program Director of the Year (2017), and induction into both the American Academy of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology as a Fellow.

Dr. Henrichs (in red circle) with some of her siblings.

In addition to her impressive credentials, Dr. Henrichs brings heart and humility to the role. Growing up on a farm in southern Illinois as one of 11 children, she learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and community. Her passion for nursing was born from watching compassionate nurses care for patients during times of great need—something she now instills in her students every day.

“I love seeing my students in the OR, using the skills they’ve learned to care for patients with confidence and compassion,” says Dr. Henrichs. “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them grow into outstanding CRNAs.”

As dean, her top priorities include connecting more deeply with faculty and staff, understanding their needs, and collaborating on a shared vision for the future. “I believe in elevating others,” she says. “Sometimes all a person needs is for someone to believe in them—and I’ve made it my mission to be that person.”

Dr. Henrichs is proud of her close-knit family, which includes three adult children and six grandchildren. Her legacy at Goldfarb is already profound—and with this new chapter as dean, her full impact is only just beginning

Dr. Henrichs will begin transitioning to the dean position on Monday, June 16, as she finishes her commitment to OR shifts with WashU Medicine through the rest of the month.

Written by: Kathy Randall
Sr. Strategist, Internal Comms.