Galen Appoints New Vice President of Academic Operations

Galen College of Nursing today announced the appointment of Zachary Mueller, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, to the newly created role of Vice President of Academic Operations. The position is a strategic investment in Galen’s leadership infrastructure to support the institution’s ongoing national growth, academic quality, and student success.

Dr. Mueller brings more than two decades of nursing and healthcare leadership to Galen, including a distinguished 22-year tenure with HCA Healthcare. Most recently, he served as the Division Chief Nursing Executive at Medical City Healthcare (formerly HCA North Texas). Prior to that role, he was the Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at HCA Medical City Dallas Hospital.

In this new capacity, Dr. Mueller will oversee operational consistency and academic execution across Galen’s expanding campus footprint. He will work closely with executive leadership, regional deans, and campus deans to advance institutional priorities across academic quality, regulatory readiness, faculty support, and student outcomes.

“As Galen College of Nursing continues to grow, it is essential that we strengthen the leadership structure needed to support academic excellence, operational consistency, and continued student success across our campuses,” said Tracy A. Ortelli, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, President & Chief Academic Officer. “Dr. Mueller’s leadership experience, operational discipline, and deep knowledge of healthcare delivery will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the connection between nursing education, clinical practice, and workforce readiness.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Mueller has a proven track record of leading complex teams, advancing clinical and operational performance, and supporting nursing excellence across large healthcare systems.

“The opportunity to positively impact the future of nursing before a student ever enters practice is both humbling and inspiring,” said Dr. Mueller. “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting nurses and helping them succeed, and I am excited to join the Galen team in advancing a shared mission of developing highly skilled, compassionate nurses who will make a difference in the lives of patients and communities for generations to come.”

Dr. Mueller will assume his duties as Vice President of Academic Operations on August 17.