Nursing Faculty

Deborah Adell began her teaching career in 1994 at Desales University, and has taught at and directed nurse practitioner programs at the University of South Florida and the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston. As a board-certified family nurse practitioner for 21 years, she also maintains an active clinical practice.

Education: PhD, Marywood University; MSN, Misericordia University; BSN, Drexel University

Certifications: Family Nurse Practitioner–Board Certified (FNP–BC), nationally board certified in menopause management through the North American Menopause Society

Honors and Achievements: International Association of Dance Medicine and Science research award (Harkness Foundation; London, England), diplomate of the National Board of Anti-Aging Health Practitioners

Deborah Adelman has been a nurse educator and professor of nursing for 26 years. She is currently the program lead for non-nurse practitioner Master of Science in Nursing courses as well as course lead for several of those courses. Adelman oversees numerous innovations in curriculum, including course revisions, creating new courses, and supporting faculty in these areas. She also mentors faculty who wish to do research, and has assisted five faculty in publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals. Adelman started her academic career at Lakeland College in Mattoon, Illinois. She moved on to the State University of New York and was an associate professor there for 2 years before joining Purdue Global as a full-time faculty member in 2017.

Education: PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; MSN, University of Illinois, University Center; BSN, University of Illinois, Medical Center, College of Nursing

Honors and Achievements: Interagency Council on Information Resources in Nursing, Essential RN Resources, Ward Duel Award for Excellence in Public Health Writing, Faculty Owl Award for Scholarship (Kaplan University)

Research Interests: Disaster nursing, nursing education, perceptions of plagiarism at the graduate level, online faculty, the experiences of nurse practitioners related to sharing clinical notes with patients through patient portals

Jessica Allen began her career with Purdue University (formerly Kaplan University) in 2015. She served as an adjunct professor for 7 years in the graduate nursing program and is currently a full-time professor for the School of Nursing. Allen teaches in the graduate nurse practitioner program in the primary care focus clinical courses. Her experience includes 15 years of nursing with background in emergency medicine, hospice, home health, pediatrics, and family medicine.

Education: DNP, University of Texas At Arlington; Post Master Nurse Educator Certification, Purdue University Global; MSN, Walden University; BSN, South University; AND, Texarkana Community College

Certifications: Family Nurse Practitioner- AANP 

Memberships: Member, American Nurse Association; Member, Texas Nurse Practitioner Association; Member, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

Research Interests: Understanding obesity management using telemedicine, integrating effective communication techniques in online learning.

Monica Antolin began her career with Purdue University Global (formerly known as Kaplan University) in 2015 as a part-time adjunct faculty member in the MSN program. Antolin is now a full-time adjunct faculty member in the MSN program teaching a variety of FNP courses specializing clinical courses. In her years of service with the university, she has enjoyed teaching in the FNP program, helping students to achieve their goals for higher-level education.

Education: MSN—Family Nurse Practitioner, University of Central Florida; BSN and ASN, Adventist University of Health Sciences

Certifications: AANP-Family NP-C            

Honors and Achievements: Five-year service award with Purdue Global—2020

Memberships: Member, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2005–present; Member, National League for Nursing, 2015–present; Member, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2015–present

Research Interests: Improving student-professor communication in the online classroom

Raciela Austin is a course Lead for Purdue Global’s graduate nursing courses for both didactic and clinical courses and she instructs and evaluates graduate students in an online learning platform. Austin teaches VR simulation case scenarios and facilitates debriefing, and she collaborates with Purdue Global clinical student managers in helping students secure clinical sites for their practicum experience.

Education: MSN - Nurse Practitioner (Adult/Geriatric), California State University; BS in Biology, University of the Philippines; AA in Nursing, Mount Saint Mary’s University

Publications: Ziminski, C., Austin, R., Mosqueda, L., Phillips, L. and Wiglesworth, A. (2013). Injury patterns and causal mechanisms of bruising in physical elder abuse. Journal of Forensic Nursing.

Austin, R., Wiglesworth, A. and Twomey, M. (2012). Abuse and neglect of people with dementia. Academy on Violence and Abuse. Research Review.

Liao, S., Baker, M., Lowe, J., Austin, R., Whitney-Davis, J., Wiglesworth, A., Zimmerman, D., Zoromski, P. and Mosqueda, L. (2010). A Multi-site Study to Characterize Pressure Ulcers in Long-term Care under Best Practices

Wiglesworth, A., Austin, R., Corona, M., Schneider, D., Liao, S., Gibbs, L. and Mosqueda, M. (2009). Bruising as a Marker of Physical Elder Abuse. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Presentations: 2014 Southern California Readmission Update Conference: Remote Monitoring: Innovations in Healthcare. October 16, 2014

Patient Centered Medical Home. Geriatrics Journal Club: March 25, 2014.

HASC: Innovations for Older Adult Technology care: October 15, 2013.

Morrison, E., Wiglesworth, A., Mosqueda, L., Austin, R. and Shapiro, J. (2012) Caregiver Mistreatment of

People with Advanced Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study of Prevalence and Associated Characteristics.

Poster Presentation. 64th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.          

Licensure and Certifications: Registered Nurse, State of California 2001–Present; Nurse Practitioner, State of California 2012–Present; Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Certified, State of California 2012-Present; Furnishing License 2012-Present; DEA License 2001-Present; BLS-Certification 2012-Present; Simulation Instructor Certification 2013-Present; Registered Nurse, State of Iowa 3/2015-Present

Memberships: Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society; Member, Golden Key International Honour Society; Member, California Association of Nurse Practitioners; Member, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners; Member, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Research Interests: Elder Abuse

Sydney Bean is a full-time nursing faculty member at Purdue Global Cedar Rapids campus. Bean previously served as an adjunct clinical faculty member for two years. She has worked as an RN in the emergency department at the University of Iowa, the intensive care unit at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, and as a chemotherapy infusion nurse.  

Education: BSN, Allen College; BA in Political Science and Classics, Luther College

Memberships: Member, Phi Beta Kappa national honor society; Member, Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society; Member, the Infusion Nurses Society

Megan Bivens is a full-time faculty member for the RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. In this role, she oversees curriculum development as a course lead, including modularized curriculum and competency-based programs. Bivens participates in faculty governance and is the RN-BSN ExcelTrack^® Faculty Mentor. Prior to joining Purdue Global, Bivens was a faculty member for LPN, RN, and RN-to-BSN programs and also served as coordinator for two high-fidelity simulation centers one in a face-to-face associate’s in nursing (ADN) program and one in a face-to-face LPN program. She has worked in various areas of clinical nursing practice including labor and delivery, postpartum, operating room, medical-surgical (gynecology), and sick baby care.                                          

Education: DNP Purdue Global University; MSN, Florida State University

Certifications: Certified Online Instructor (COI)

Honors and Achievements: Spirit of Kaplan Outstanding Online Faculty Leader Award (Kaplan University), Spirit of Excellence Award, additional teaching awards including outstanding course lead, classroom innovation, and faculty champion

Memberships:  NLN

Research Interests: Emotions of online learners and computer-based simulation, predictors of success for ADN students, and group thinking in nursing

Catherine Black is a full-time faculty member in the ADN program at Purdue Global, where she teaches various courses focusing on fundamentals of nursing and medical surgical nursing as well as pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology. She was a staff nurse for 14 years and a patient education coordinator for 5 years before going into nursing education. Black is active in the Iowa League for Nursing for the past 8 years and a member of the Board of the ILN from 2012-2014, president-elect from 2014 to 2016, and president from 2016 to 2018. She is also an NLN Ambassador and the campus advisor for the international honor society of Phi Theta Kappa, Beta Mu Sigma Chapter.She has also completed all course work towards her PhD in Nursing Education at Capella University.

Education: MSN, University of New Mexico; BSN, University of New Mexico

Certifications: Certified Nurse Educator

Sarah Brown joined Purdue Global as an adjunct instructor for the nurse practitioner program in 2015. She was advanced to a full-time adjunct position in 2017. Her responsibilities include facilitating effective delivery of curricula in the graduate nursing program, primarily in the clinical courses. Brown's career path is inclusive of women's health, family practice, and wound care. She volunteers at a free clinic to the underinsured in her county and has precepted new graduate NPs in many settings along her career path. Brown is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners since 2006 and is licensed in Florida.
 

Education: DNP, Chatham University; MSN, University of Central Florida; BSN, University of Central Florida; ASN Daytona State College
 

Publications: DNP project on medication adherence accepted for publication in Today's Geriatric Medicine

As a long-time nurse, Carla Cerra started as a nursing assistant then built upon early experiences and education throughout her career. Cerra started first as an adjunct professor, then full-time faculty member, and then as the program lead for the AGPC nurse practitioner track. The foundation of nursing rests on a holistic model of care, a new concept that Cerra tries to demonstrate in her engagement with the students. She was previously a certified as a clinical research coordinator where she worked primarily with trauma research and coordinated a large, intensive R0-1 NIH sponsored trial on the effects of oxygen therapy for severe acute traumatic brain injury. Cerra is interested in teaching and building upon the breadth of knowledge that prepares students and nurse practitioners to skillfully partner with patients and families in the face of adversity and she serves as a DNP mentor for students at Purdue Global.

Education: PMHNP post-master’s certification (in process), Purdue Global; Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of South Alabama; MS in Nursing, AGPCNP concentration, University of South Alabama; BA in Nursing, The College of St. Scholastica; Associate Degree in Nursing, Hibbing Community College

Publications: Rockswold, S.B., Rockswold. G, Zaun, D. A., Zhang, X., Cerra, C., Bergman, T. Liu, J. (2010). A prospective, randomized clinical trial to compare the effect of hyperbaric to normobaric hyperoxia on cerebral metabolism, intracranial pressure, and oxygen toxicity in severe traumatic brain injury. Journal of Neurosurgery, 112(5), 1080-1094. https://doi:10.3171/2009.7.JN

Certifications: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-BC); Certified Case Manager (CCM); Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC); Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC); Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)

Honors and Achievements: Medical Committee Appointment 2015; Chair of Hennepin Healthcare's Biomedical Ethics Committee; The Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty 2021

Memberships: American Association of Nurse Practitioners; Minnesota APRN Coalition; Minnesota Nurse Practitioners (MNNP); American Nurses Association; American Psychiatric Nurses Association; Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Zeta & Phi Ro Chapters); PG Innovative Learning and Technology Committee

Research Interests: Clinical research; trauma research; effects of oxygen therapy for severe acute traumatic brain injury; the impact of stress, moral distress, moral harm, and burnout that many nurses face in the workplace

Elizabeth Chapman has been with Purdue Global since 2011. Chapman teaches in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program; other responsibilities include curriculum review, course lead duties, and service on the Academic Policies Committee. Chapman has held faculty positions in various nursing degree programs and has over 30 years of experience in critical care, palliative care, and community health. Chapman serves on numerous committees within the community. She has attended and presented at numerous conferences and presented, internationally, nationally, and regionally on best practices in online education.

Education: DNP, Medical College of Georgia; MS, Troy State University; BSN, Columbus State University; ASN, Columbus State University

Publications: Nurse Educator, Creative Nursing, Perspectives in Learning

Certifications: Family Nurse Practitioner (AACN), Certified Nurse Educator (NLN)

Research Interests: Online learning, student engagement, and educational technology, and compassion fatigue in nurse educators

Glenna Chickering teaches classes in the School of Nursing. Her previous experience includes 18 years as a medical-surgical nurse. In that time, she has also worked at a surgical/trauma office. Chickering was a clinical coordinator for 13 years and acted as an interim manager for one year. She also did some adjunct clinical for a few terms.

Education: DNP, Purdue Global; MS, Walden University

Certifications: American Nurses Credentialing Center, Medical Surgical Certified, Basic Life Support Instructor Certified

Honors and Achievements: Clinical Ladder Four

Memberships: Sigma Theta Tau

Research Interests: Cultural awareness and influences on health

Kathleen "Kathie" Clark joined Purdue Global as adjunct faculty in 2020 and currently serves as a full-time faculty member. Clark has taught in both the ASN and MSN programs and also serves as an NCLEX coach for prelicensure students helping them prepare for the RN licensure examination and entry into nursing practice. She has extensive leadership and frontline nursing experience in the ambulatory, primary, and acute care settings as well as teaching experience with new graduate RNs and clinical nurse apprenticeship students. Clark is a dedicated Nurse Educator committed to advancing evidence-based nursing pedagogy and mentorship that helps bridge the gap between nursing theory and practice.

Education:  MSN, Purdue Global; BSN, University of Maine at Augusta; ADN, University of Maine at Augusta
Publications: Clark, K., Dutler, M., Goldenstein, R., Reeves, H. & Riecke, L. (2025). Riding the waves: Examing the dynamics of NGN pass rates. The Nursing Voice. https://www.nursingnetwork.com/newsletters/401#newsletter_component_article_25995

Certification: Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)

Honors and Achievements: 2021 OWL Award: Outstanding New Faculty, Purdue Global School of Nursing; 2025 Daisy Award Nominee; 2025 OWL Award: Outstanding Faculty, Purdue Global School of Nursing

Memberships: National League for Nursing; Organization for Associate Degree Nursing; Organization of Maine Nursing Leaders; American Nurses Association (ANA)-Maine

Research Interests: Prevention of substance use disorders
 

Angela Crawford began her career at Purdue Global in 2008 as an adjunct nursing professor teaching didactic and clinical courses in the BSN and MSN Programs. Crawford is now a full-time faculty member in the graduate nursing program and serves as the course lead of Advanced Pathophysiology. She has been active in the curriculum revision process. Her nursing career includes pediatric emergency, pediatric endocrinology and pediatric primary care.  

Education: MSN, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; BSN, Louisiana State University Medical Center School of Nursing

Certifications: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Pediatric Nursing Certification Board); PALS

Memberships: National Association of Pediatric Nurses and Practitioners              

Research Interests: Pediatric Obesity

Amy Daly has worked in nursing education for over 26 years, teaching in associate’s, baccalaureate, and master’s degree nursing programs. At Purdue Global, she serves as the program lead for the Doctor of Nursing Practice. In this role, she assists in providing leadership in designated areas, focusing on academic operations that support timely student matriculation to program completion. She also serves as the nursing representative to the University’s Faculty Senate, and is chair of the School of Nursing Assessment and Evaluation Committee. Daly is the faculty liaison to the School of Nursing Leadership Council. In practice, she has worked in nursing administration, staff development, risk management, telephone triage, and community education. She has served on the board of directors of the American Red Cross in Mississippi and a state nursing organization. Currently, Daly serves as an on-site evaluator for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Education: PhD, William Carey University; MSN, Louisiana State University; BSN, William Carey College

Morgan Dutler teaches in a variety of classes and currently teaches the pharmacology course at Purdue Global, including in the lab along with the capstone and its associated lab. She also teaches in the maternity and pediatric labs. Along with those classes, she assists students in studying and preparing for their NCLEX exams. Previously, Dutler spent the beginning of her nursing career in long-term care, where she eventually was the director of nursing. In 2006, she changed paths and started working in Women's Services at Iowa Lutheran Hospital as a maternity nurse. In 2008, she took an adjunct position with Purdue Global as a clinical instructor, becoming a full-time faculty member in 2016.
 

Education: MSN, Gonzaga University; BSN, GranView University; LPN, Southwestern Community College

Caroline Saint-Fleur Elistin began her tenure at Purdue Global as adjunct professor in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program in November of 2022. Elistin is an award winning, board certified Family & Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. 

In her professional life, Elistin has been an educator and healthcare provider for over 22 years and is passionate about caring, teaching, and giving back to her community. Her experience includes pediatrics, geriatrics, family practice, community health nursing, leadership, and course developer of online teaching for Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Programs. She served as a assistant dean of faculty for 7 years. She currently works as an Oncology Nurse Practitioner and assistant professor.

Education: DNP, University of Miami; MSN-Ed, Barry University; BSN, University of Miami

Certifications: FNP-BC, Barry University; Psychiatric Mental Nurse Practitioner PMHNP-BC, University of Miami

Honors and Achievements: Beta Eta Sigma Honor Society; Nurse Practitioner of the Year 2010, Ambulatory Care Center, Jackson Memorial Hospital; Nursing Excellence Award 2010, Jackson Memorial Hospital; 2013 Florida Worksite Wellness Award Winner; Nurse Practitioner of the Year, 2018, University of Miami; 2021America’s Top NP: Hematologic Oncology

Memberships: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Assistant Financial Secretary 2021-Present; Risk Management, Chair 2023-Present; Build Our Economic Wealth, Co-chair 2023-Present; American Nurses Association; American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), American Psychiatric Nurse Association; Black Nurses Association, Inc. Miami Chapter; Florida Nurses Association (FNP); Florida Nurse Practitioner Association; Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida, Inc. Secretary 2023-2025, Education Co-chair 2021-Present, Wellness Program Co-chair 2023-Present; Recruitment and Retention Co-Chair 2023-Present; Haitian Alliance Nurses Association International; National Black Nurses Association, Inc.; Oncology Nursing Society; Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honors Society; We Invest in Our Marriage, Inc. (WIM

Research Interests: Perceptions of Second-Generation Haitian Americans Regarding Barriers to Mental Health Treatment; mental health care barriers facing Haitian Americans; mental health and the postpartum woman; stress levels and depressive symptoms in NICU mothers in the early postpartum period

Jessica Finken graduated from the Purdue Global Family Nurse Practitioner program in the spring of 2023. She began her academic teaching career at Purdue Global School of Nursing the fall of 2023 as a skills and simulation instructor. Finken brings with her 20 plus years of nursing and healthcare experience from a variety of settings inclusive of both hospital as well as clinics, in various specialties across all ages and stages. Areas of clinical experience includes med/surg, operating room, urgent care, obstetrics and gynecology, urology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, oncology, dermatology, gastroenterology and endoscopy, cardiology, hand orthopedics, immunizations, and pediatric and family medicine. As a lifelong learner she is dedicated to continued education and process improvement in regards to patient care and the nursing field. She is committed to student success and strives to foster an environment where students develop their nursing skills and increase their confidence as future leaders in healthcare.         

Education: MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner, Purdue Global University; BSN, Colorado Technical University; RN & Surgical Technology, Western Iowa Tech          

Certifications: AANP-Family NP-C

Memberships: American Association of Nurse Practitioners 

Research Interests: Nurse Education, Advancement of education via virtual and simulation environments, Pain management strategies, Pediatrics, Women's Health

Tyffany Florczyk is a full-time faculty member in the School of Nursing graduate program. Florcayk holds dual certifications as a family nurse practitioner and adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner. She has over fifteen years of experience within the healthcare realm. Florczyk has worked in multiple areas including dialysis, medical-surgical nursing, critical care, progressive care, primary care, and as a clinical and theory instructor for both graduate and undergraduate traditional nursing programs. She enjoys sharing her clinical experiences in the classroom and educating students on the importance of providing holistic and equitable patient care.     

Education: DNP, Missouri State University; BSN and MSN/Ed, Western Governors University              

Certifications: AANP: Family Nurse Practitioner, ANCC: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Honors and Achievements: Quality Improvement Award, Ascension Macomb Hospital, 2013; Daisy Award, Ascension Macomb Hospital 2013; Nursing Excellence, Ascension Macomb Hospital 2014    

Memberships: American Nurse Association         

Research Interests: Decreasing infections in hemodialysis patients; increasing student engagement in online learning; healthcare equity

Rachel Goldenstein began to teach full time in the associate’s nursing degree (ADN) program at Purdue Global in 2014. She currently teaches several classes for the ADN program. Prior to teaching, Goldenstein worked as a registered nurse in multiple hospitals and areas across the United States. Her main experience was in the intensive care unit and emergency room.

Education: MSN, University of North Carolina

Julie Grissom has clinical expertise in the areas of emergency nursing, critical care, adult coronary, and trauma. She became a faculty member for the School of Nursing in 2012, and currently serves on the Faculty Curriculum Committee and the University Ethics GEL committee. Grissom practiced clinically as an RN for over 15 years before beginning her academic career. She served as vice president and president of the South Mississippi Medical Alliance and on the Mississippi State Medical Alliance Board. At Purdue Global, she served on the School of Nursing Assessment and Evaluation Committee and chaired the School of Nursing Curriculum Committee.

Education: PhD, William Carey University; MSN, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global); BSN, University of Southern Mississippi

Memberships: Phi Rho Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau

Rachel Grothe is a graduate of Presentation College's Bachelor of Science Nursing program. She began her career at Purdue Global Council Bluffs in 2023 as an adjunct faculty member in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program teaching simulation lab courses, Nursing Fundamentals and Pharmacology. In 2024 she also started teaching Mental Health, and she accepted a position to become full time faculty. Grothe’s nursing career started in 2008 in long term care in Oakland Nebraska at Oakland care center. In 2016, she worked at CHI health in Plastic surgery clinic and orthopedic trauma clinic. Grothe has also worked at the Omaha Nebraska department of Veterans affairs in the ambulatory out-patient clinic and helped in the Medical Surgical unit and mental health floors during the initial covid-19 outbreak assisting one on one patients. She enjoyed mental health so much that she began a certified support group facilitator through NAMI after attending one of their training sessions.              

Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Bachelors in Psychology with a focus in Applied Behavioral Analysis

Publications: Cross-Grothe, R. (2017, January 24). Insights from #12: Paperback. Barnes & Noble. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/insights-from-12-rachel-cross-grothe/1125550095

Certifications: American Heart Association Instructor

Brooke Hanner is a full-time faculty member in the nursing program at Purdue Global. Hanner joined Purdue Global as an adjunct instructor in 2023. Her experience includes 14 years of bedside nursing, with the majority of her focus being critical/intensive care. Hanner has filled several roles including charge nurse, preceptor, UPC member, and was nominated for a Daisy Award.           

Education: BSN, University of Nebraska Medical Center; BA, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Certifications: Critical Care RN    

Honors and Achievements: Daisy Award Nominee            

Memberships: American Academy of Critical Care Nurses

Mercedes Harris began her career at Purdue Global Council Bluffs in 2022 as an adjunct faculty member in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program teaching simulation lab courses, Nursing Fundamentals and Pharmacology. As she transitioned to full-time nursing faculty in 2023, she also began teaching the simulation lab course for Medical Surgical I, and she serves as the course lead for Pharmacology clinical. Harris’ nursing career began from accepting a job from my capstone preceptorship in 2019 at Bethany Lutheran Health Services where she worked with long-term care, rehabilitation, and hospice. She served as a staff nurse at Nebraska Medicine where she worked frontline with Covid-19, step down ICU, and medical surgical. Her most recent experience in nursing is with Children's Hospital and Medical Center where she worked primarily with pediatric hematology/oncology, diabetic care/management, medical surgical, and ICU.            

Education: MSN Ed, Grand Canyon University; BSN, Purdue Global University        

Certifications: American Heart Association Instructor       

Memberships: Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society (GCU), OADN

MinJung Hong-DeCapio is a dedicated nurse educator and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) who joined Purdue University Global with a wealth of experience in clinical practice, patient-centered care, and nursing education. Hong-DeCapio has taught various courses in health policy, advanced diagnostics, adult and pediatric health, and women’s health at the graduate level. Her expertise extends to conducting hands-on immersion sessions in health assessment and clinical skills, ensuring students receive comprehensive training for their roles as advanced practice nurses. Prior to joining Purdue Global, Hong-DeCapio served in multiple healthcare roles, including as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Park Plaza Pediatrics and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, where she provided acute and chronic care management for diverse populations. With years of clinical and teaching experience, she combines practical expertise with academic rigor, focusing on fostering critical thinking and compassionate care in her students.

While Hong-DeCapio is dedicated to excellence in nursing education, she is also passionate about improving healthcare outcomes through evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her background in pediatric and family care and her commitment to holistic, patient-centered education make her a valued contributor to Purdue University Global’s mission of advancing nursing education.

Education: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Touro University Nevada; Master of Science in Nursing in Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP), City University of New York, Lehman College; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Chung-Ang University        

Publications: Hong-DeCapio, M. (2020). The AAP asthma guideline for pediatric primary care. Doctors of Nursing Practice. Retrieved from 
https://www.doctorsofnursingpractice.org/wp-content/uploads/project_form/abstract_270620044645.pdf     

Certifications: Family Nurse Practitioner, AANP; Certified Nurse Educator, NLN 

Memberships: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners             

Research Interests: Enhancing pediatric and family healthcare through evidence-based guidelines and interdisciplinary approaches to chronic disease management; asthma management in primary care, the role of technology in improving patient outcomes and care coordination; advancing patient-centered care models; preparing the next generation of nurse practitioners for real-world challenges

Theresa Jones began her career with Purdue Global in 2021 as an adjunct professor in the nurse practitioner program and is now a full-time professor for the School of Nursing, MSN Nurse Practitioner program. Jones has been teaching mainly in the primary care focus clinical courses during her career with Purdue Global. Her extensive experience includes 19 years of nursing with a background in critical care (Trauma, Medical, and Neuro) as an RN for 13 years, and has spent the past six years as a nurse practitioner in family practice for a large community health organization. She has been working in an integrated family practice treating chronic conditions, acute conditions, and mental health along with a behavioral health team. Jones serves as a preceptor for student NP’s, and she enjoys sharing her experiences and knowledge with her students in the clinic as well as in the classroom.

Education: DNP/FNP, University of Arizona; BSN, Grand Canyon University; ADN, Gateway Community College

Certifications: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP); licensed in the state of Arizona; Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP); BLS

Memberships: American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)           

Research Interests: Diabetes management, rural health

Beulah Joshua is a graduate nursing faculty member for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Purdue Global. Joshua is dual certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Her areas of expertise include working with forensic clients, management of substance use disorder, and treating clients throughout their lifespan, including all age groups. She has a passion for teaching and ongoing learning. Dunning also continues to practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner treating a wide range of underserved clients, both children, and adults, with mental health needs. She has experience in leadership, teaching, and direct patient care. Her nursing career spans over 20 years in various specialties, including critical care, emergency nursing, forensic nursing, cardiology, neurovascular, risk management, and patient safety.       

Education: DNP, University of Missouri-Kansas City; FNP, University of Missouri-Kansas City; PMHNP, University of Missouri-Kansas City; Arkansas State University; BSN, MGR University

Certifications: PMHNP-BC, FNP-C, RN     

Honors and Achievements: Nurse Excellence Award, Mosaic Life Care    

Memberships: Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

American Nurses Association

Missouri Nurses Association

American Psychiatric Nurses Association

American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Academy of Forensic Nursing

International Association of Forensic Nurses

National League for Nursing

Research Interests: Effect of trauma on mental health, substance use impact on mental health, the influence of risky behavior on adolescents’ mental health

Melody Lehosit brings more than 20 years of teaching and clinical nursing experience to her role at Purdue Global where teaches both core MSN and Family Nurse Practitioner courses. Her service includes Faculty Senate and Faculty Curriculum Committee, course lead roles as well as subject matter expert during course revisions. Lehoist has been a medical program director for a community college. She has taught in face-to-face settings and a variety of online platforms; clinical and didactic. She has extensive experience in alternative site care including as a family nurse practitioner in urgent care. Melody also shares her leadership experience having held positions as regional nurse manager for home infusion pharmacies, and as a director of nursing in long term care.     

Education: DNP, West Virginia University; FNP-Certificate, West Virginia University; MSN-Education, Kaplan University; MS Community Health Promotion, West Virginia University; BSN, West Virginia Wesleyan College; ASN, New York University

Publications: Ready to Quit: A Feasibility Study for Practice Change in Smoking Cessation Readiness. West Virginia University, Ann Arbor: ProQuest.

Alpha Rho Biennial Research Conference. West Virginia University. Podium and poster. Smoking Cessation Readiness in Rural Populations: A Systematic Review.

National Public Health Week, Webinar Presentation: HIV AIDS in the United States; Epidemiology and Overview of High Impact Prevention Measures, Kaplan.

Licensure and Certifications: AANP, Family Nurse Practitioner; ACLS; PALS; CRNI 

Honors and Achievements: 2022 Daisy Award Faculty; 2021 Optum Super Hero Nominee; 2020 AAAA Leadership Optum Winner   

Memberships: National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties; Infusion Nursing Society

Research Interests: Preventive health, curriculum development, adult learning

Elaina Mahlan began teaching for the School of Nursing in 2011. She serves as the program lead in the BSN program with a role in curriculum alignment and oversight. Mahlan is a subject matter expert for professional leadership, hospice, and transcultural nursing curriculum. She serves as the Course Lead for first-semester students in the RN-to-BSN program, where she enjoys helping new students become comfortable and effective in the learning environment. Mahlan’s committee work includes service and leadership on faculty curriculum, general education literacy, academic integrity, administrative leadership, library services, professional competency development, and accreditation preparation teams. Mahlan is a licensed registered nurse whose career includes practice and professional certifications in oncology/hematology, and faith community nursing.


Education: EdD in Curriculum & Instruction, Southeastern University; MSN in Education, Walden University; MSHE, Kaplan University; PMC in Executive Nurse Leadership from Purdue Global

Publications: Mahlan, E. C. (2021). The holistic self-care learning experience of RN-to-BSN students: A phenomenological study of meaning and value. [Dissertation]/ ProQuest.

Mahlan, E. C. (2017). A Biblical Perspective on Measuring Outcomes in Nursing. BayCare Faith Community Nursing Newsletter.

Mahlan, E. (2018). Again? Repetition in teaching and learning. Journal of Christian Nursing, 35(3), 200. 

Mahlan, E. (2015). What Does it Take to Complete a RN to BSN Program Online? eLearners.com. www.elearners.com/online-college-degrees/nursing/nurse-educator-interview/

Mahlan, E. Featured Expert- Nursing Education. Nurse without Borders." "Transcultural Nurse, Transcultural Nursing Society, Since 2022;

Certifications: Certified Nurse Educator, National League for Nursing, 2015-present; Faith Community Nurse, International Parish Nurse Resource Center, 2014-present      

Honors and Achievements: Purdue Global School of Nursing OWL Awards winner for: Outstanding Classroom Innovation; Faculty Champion; Faculty Hall of Fame; Outstanding Curriculum Development; and Outstanding Full Time Faculty       

Memberships: National League for Nursing; American Association of Colleges of Nursing; Christian Nurses Association       

Research Interests: Health and wellbeing of nurses and nursing students

Jessica Manning currently teaches a variety of undergraduate School of Nursing courses in the areas of maternal-infant nursing, pathophysiology, and leadership and nursing trends. She is also a course lead, active in the curriculum revision process, and has extensive experience in running a variety of nursing simulations. Manning is an RN in the state of Iowa and has worked in both the hospital and clinic setting. Her primary experience is in maternal-infant nursing. Manning is an elected member of Faculty Senate and member of the Waiver Committee at Purdue Global.

Education: MSN, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global); BSN, Coe College

Honors and Achievements: 2014 Instructor Excellence Award (Kaplan University)

Memberships: Iowa League for Nursing, National League for Nursing, Organization for Associate Degree Nursing

Wendy Mason was the chair of the MSN program from 2011 to 2013, after which she resumed her position as a professor teaching in the graduate programs. She has created curriculum for a number of the School’s nursing programs and helped develop the successful doctoral program. Mason has previously served as a staff and charge nurse and served populations with psychiatric needs. She has also developed policies and procedures and worked closely with community and statewide primary care providers and policymakers. In 2016, she transitioned into holistic nursing and earned her certification as a Reiki Practitioner. Her research has been published in a wide variety of journals and books.

Education: PhD, California Institute of Integral Studies

Arian McEwen began her career with Purdue Global in 2025 as a full-time faculty member. McEwen has served in various positions including labor and delivery, pre and post-operative care, ambulatory care, nursing education, nursing leadership, and quality improvement. This diverse background has given her a unique skill set that allows her to adapt seamlessly to new environments and work collaboratively with colleagues, students, and interdisciplinary teams.   

Education: MSN, Grand Canyon University; MBA, Grand Canyon University, BSN, Grand Canyon University

Certifications: Certification in Electronic Fetal Monitoring; certification in Inpatient Obstetrical Nursing

Memberships: AWHONN            

Research Interests: Nurse mentoring, nursing culture, and classroom management

Casey McGuire began her career with Purdue Global University in 2020 as nursing adjunct faculty. After becoming full time faculty, she has served as a course lead and clinical coordinator for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program. She has over 15 years of nursing experience, in various specialties.            

Education: MSN, Purdue University Global; BSN, Upper Iowa University; ASN, Kirkwood Community College

Lauren Metayer began her career at Purdue Global in 2019 and currently serves as a full-time nursing professor at the Waterville, Maine, location. In her role, she teaches didactic Pharmacology and Medical/Surgical Nursing 2, in the clinical and lab environments. She also holds the position of course lead for the Med/Surg 2 lab/clinical course. Prior to her academic career, Metayer worked in liaison roles and admissions coordination for a large Maine-based long-term care network. Additionally, she has extensive experience in acute inpatient physical rehabilitation, having practiced at a local hospital for 10 years.

Education: MSN-Ed, Purdue Global; MSHA, Southern New Hampshire University; RN-BSN, University of Southern Maine.

Honors and Achievements: 2025 Purdue OWL Award winner for Outstanding Public Service Award. 2025 Purdue Owl Award nomination for Faculty Hall of Fame Award

Elizabeth Pauls is a full-time nursing faculty member at Purdue Global Cedar Rapids/Anamosa campus. Pauls began her career at Purdue Global as an adjunct clinical faculty member in Nursing Fundamentals prior to transitioning to full-time in 2023. Pauls has previously served as a staff and charge nurse on the Medical/NASA (negative airflow specialty area) unit at Mercy Iowa City as well as both the Inpatient Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Cardiac/Telemetry units at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids for the last three years. Through her experiences serving patients with traumatic brain injuries in various settings/specialties of nursing, she earned the distinction of becoming a Certified Brain Injury Specialist in 2022. She currently teaches Nursing Fundamentals and Medical-Surgical CL courses for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program.            

Education: BSN, Mercy College of Health Sciences             

Certifications: Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)

Shirlean Bennett joined Purdue Global University in 2022 as a Full-Time faculty member for the DNP program. Bennett began her nursing career as a nursing officer in the United States Airforce, as a clinical nurse and community educator. She has held various positions as a clinical specialist in acute care settings, Faculty, and Academic Dean in undergraduate and graduate programs. Bennett continues to work with clinics and organizations as a nurse consultant and clinician, within her community.

Education: DNP in executive leadership, Chamberlain University; MSN, Regis University; BSN, East Stroudsburg University       

Certifications: Certified Health Care Educator

Publications: Numerous presentations at nursing conferences

“Cultivating Cultural Competence in Nursing Faculty” Transcultural Nursing Society/New Orleans, LA (November 22, 2014).

Honors and Achievements: Awarded ‘Manager of the year 2016’ and ‘Most valued Clinical Educator 2011’ 

Memberships:  Virginia Nursing Association; National League of Nursing, Active Member

Research Interests: Cultural competency in nursing faculty, creating community within the online environment, and faculty burn-out.

Hilary Reeves joined Purdue Global’s Houston campus in 2024 as a full-time faculty member and NCLEX. She brings extensive clinical experience spanning diverse patient populations across the lifespan, including neonatal intensive care (NICU), pediatrics, family medicine, and oncology. Additionally, Reeves has served as a clinical research nurse and clinical studies coordinator, managing clinical trials for patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma. Her expertise combines hands-on patient care with advanced research coordination, enhancing her ability to guide future nurses.             

Education: MSN, University of Texas at Arlington; BSN Texas Woman's University; BA Baylor University           

Certifications: OCN, Oncology Certified Nurse     

Memberships: Oncology Nursing Society; Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society; International Association of Clinical Research Nurses; The Association for Nursing Professional Development

Research Interests: Management and treatment of uveal melanoma, genetic predisposition factors for rare cancers, patient safety outcomes related to nurse-to-patient ratios in ICU settings

Lisa Ricker is a full-time nursing Professor of Pediatric and Obstetrical Nursing. Her career in maternal-child nursing includes work in the hospital, community, office, and academic settings.

Education: MSN, Purdue Global; BSN, University of Southern Maine

Certifications: PALS

Honors and Achievements: Twice nominated for DAISY Award

Memberships: Society of Pediatric Nursing

Lisa Riecke is a full-time faculty member and a NCLEX Mentor for the ADN program at Purdue Global. Riecke currently teaches and is course lead for Nursing Pharmacology. In the NCLEX Mentor role she works with students to prep for NCLEX exam. She joined Purdue Global in 2015 as an adjunct instructor in the LPN program and taught several courses, labs and clinicals in the Pre-Licensure BSN program for Fundamentals, Geriatrics, and Medical/Surgical classes. Riecke previously worked as clinical coordinator and has been an RN since 1996 with extensive experience as an RN in Surgery, GI and Cardiac units in Kansas and Nebraska.

Education: MSN Ed, Western Governors University; BSN, Western Governors University; AND, Johnson County Community College        

Honors and Achievements: Faculty Daisy Award 2016     

Memberships: American Nurses Association

Tonja Ross began her career with Purdue University Global in 2023 and she started off as an adjunct clinical professor for the Associates of Nursing Program. Ross became full time faculty in 2024 with the Associates of Nursing Program. Her experience includes over 15 years of tutoring in Math and Science high school students. She enjoys the challenge of creating different teaching styles to assist everyone in learning and understanding. Ross earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2018 from Purdue Global University. She has worked in rehab and long-term care for the past six years after graduating. She has worked for the Ambassador of Omaha and the Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home. During that time, she has earned two Employee of the Month awards. Ross enjoys getting to know her patients/residents and finding new ways for them to learn more about their conditions. Her goal is to educate as many people as possible.     

Education: BSN, Purdue University Global 

Awards and Achievements: Nominated for Daisy Award 2024; Employee of the Month at Eastern Nebraska Veterans Home in 2023; Employee of the Month at Ambassador of Omaha in 2020

Tomeka Royster is a full-time faculty member in the graduate nursing program and has taught in the BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. She currently teaches courses in the nurse practitioner program and is a member of the School of Nursing's Academic Policies Committee. Royster initially entered the health care field as a combat medic in the United States Army Reserves at the age of 17. She eventually became an officer in the United States Army Nursing Corps. Her nursing career includes acute care, nursing research, and psychiatric care as well as primary and geriatric care. Royster was among the first graduating class from the University of South Alabama DNP program, and also the first DNP graduates in the state of Alabama. She remains active in Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Education: PhD, William Carey University; DNP, University of South Alabama; MSN, Samford University; BSN, University of Alabama; BS, Samford University

Sheila Rucki is a full-time faculty member in the RN-to-BSN program, subject matter expert for pediatric nursing, and course lead. She oversees the development and implementation of both the modularized and traditional curriculum for population health nursing. Committed to student success she also focuses on practices that support student persistence. Throughout her career in nursing education, she has participated in and led initiatives and committees for curriculum and program development, evaluation, and accreditation. Rucki is an ANCC-certified Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist and practiced at Baystate Medical Center Children’s Hospital for many years. She continues to practice as a public health nurse. She is active in Sigma the International Honor Society of Nursing.

Education: PhD, University of Connecticut; MSN University of Connecticut; BSN, Boston College

Publications: Sheiridan, E. Ann, Rucki, S, in Mandleco and Potts; Pediatric Nursing, Chapter 16: Family Centered Care.  Delmar, Publication  Date.  2016

Certifications: ANCC Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist     

Honors and Achievements: Who's Who in American Nursing        

Memberships: Sigma the International Honor Society of Nursing

Research Interests: Student persistence

Jennifer Sam began her career as adjunct faculty at Purdue Global in 2021. Sam has taught in both the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care nurse practitioner and Psychiatric and Mental Health nurse practitioner programs. She has served on the Curriculum Committee and as course lead for multiple courses.

Education: DNP, the University of Michigan; Post-Master’s certificate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, University of Michigan; MSN - Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Wayne State University; BSN, Oakland University              

Renee Shell has over 23 years experience as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) and has an extensive background in graduate nursing education. Shell currently teaches graduate nursing courses in the family nurse practitioner program at Purdue Global and is course lead. She serves as a liaison between the nursing program and the virtual i-Human© patient-simulation program, and has been involved in course development and revision. Previously, Shell was an associate professor at East Tennessee State University, where she maintained an active practice as a nurse practitioner in a variety of settings and roles, and later taught at University of Virginia and Florida Southern College. She has presented on numerous occasions at local, national, and international levels and she has served as an expert witness and consultant for multiple medical-legal cases. Shell is currently practicing in the role of a family nurse practitioner.

Education: EdD, East Tennessee State University

Laura Shenkman began her career at Purdue Global in 2009 as an adjunct nursing professor teaching didactic and clinical courses and acting as a course lead. She is currently the family nurse practitioner program lead. She also been an integral part of various faculty initiatives including curriculum and policy development, course revisions, and preparation for CCNE accreditation. Shenkman’s current clinical practice is at the Pender County Health Department in rural North Carolina where she provides primary care and oversees three school based health centers using telemedicine. She is active in community organizations that provide support to the migrant farm workers and she currently serves on the Board of Directors for PATH (Pender Alliance for Teen Health).

Education: DNP (in progress), Purdue Global; MSN, Duke University; BSN, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill; PA, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Certifications: Family Nurse Practitioner (American Nurses Credentialing Center)

Research Interests: Understanding the issues and concerns of vulnerable populations with a focus on self-efficacy and health promotion practices of women and adolescents

Tina Skehan has experience as a charge nurse in medical/surgical, nursing, oncology, telemetry, cardiac rehabilitation, labor and delivery, care of the mother/baby couplet, teaching lamaze classes, BLS instructor, new RN precepting, inpatient physical rehabilitation, outpatient office RN, video capsule endoscopy, manometry, gastroenterology, OR and CCU experience, clinical adjunct instructor for MS I lab and clinical, as well as didactic courses such as Fundamentals, MS I and MS II.    

Education: DNP, Purdue University; MSN, St. Joseph's College; BSN, St. Joseph’s College; AND, CMMC School of Nursing   

Certifications: ACLS, BLS              

Honors and Achievements: National Honor Society-Sigma Theta Tau International; Front Line Nurse Leading Apprenticeship (State of Maine)         

Memberships: American Nurses Association       

Research Interests: Patient care, Centers for Disease Control, new nursing evidence-based practice topics, nursing interventions

Hamilton Elijah Smith began his career with Purdue University Global in 2024 as an adjunct professor and recently transitioned to a full-time faculty role in the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. Smith previously served in various teaching and administrative roles at the K-12, undergraduate, and graduate/doctoral levels. His experience includes over a decade of work in education and healthcare with proven results impacting the health, education, and wellness of underserved communities.        

Education: EdD, Education, Liberty University; PMHNP Postgraduate Certificate, Purdue University; MSN, Entry-Level Nursing, Brenau University; Graduate Certificate in Biology, American College of Education; EdS, Educational Leadership, Nova Southeastern University; MSEd, Physical Education, Canisius College; BS, Integrative Studies, Clayton State University

Publications: Smith, H. (2018). Literacy & poverty: An insider’s review of literature. Atlanta, GA: Independently published

Smith, H. (2018). Literacy matters: Guided reading instruction in Title I elementary schools. Atlanta, GA: Independently published.

Certifications: PMHNP-BC | American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)            

Honors and Achievements: Dr. Shahzad Hashmi Student Award for Excellence in Psychiatric Nursing at Brenau University       

Memberships: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; American Association of Nurse Practitioners; American Nurses Association; Georgia Nurses Association

Research Interests: Use of Clinical Case Studies in the Didactic Training of Nurse Practitioners

Mary Smith began her teaching career with Purdue Global University as an adjunct nursing faculty. Smith has been a registered nurse for over 27 years, and a family nurse practitioner for over 23 years. Her clinical practice experience has consisted of providing health services to rural elderly and disabled individuals with 12 years of academic teaching experience.       

Education: DNP, University of Alabama; MSN, Mississippi University for Women; BSN, Mississippi University for Women;         

Publications: Smith, M. The Influence of Health Equity on Patient Outcomes in Orthopaedics. Orthopaedic Nursing Journal, 41(2), 172-177.

Smith, M., Smith, W., Atchley, D., & Atchley, L. (2021). Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Ambulatory Surgery Center Setting: Best Practices for Cost Containment and Clinical Care Delivery. Orthopaedic Nursing Journal, 40(1), 7-13.

Smith, M., Torres, L., Burton, T. (2020). Patient Rights at the End of Life: The Ethics of Physician Assisted Death and Dying with Dignity. Professional Case Management, 25(2), 77-84.

Smith, M. (2020). I’m Sorry: Laws that Support Apologies in Health Care. Professional Case Management, 25(1), 40-45.

Smith, M. (2019). Developing health policy that drives compassion in a value driven healthcare system. Professional Case Management, 24(6), 329-332. 

Certifications: Registered Nurse; Family Nurse Practitioner board certified through the American Nurses' Credentialing Center  

Honors and Achievements:  2018 Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners in policy and clinical practice; 2015 Nan Hilt Writer’s Award, National Association of Orthopedic Nurses; 2014 National Rural Health Association Policy Fellow

Memberships: American Association of Nurse Practitioners; American Society for Public Administrators; American Academy of Medical Ethics; National Rural Health Association

Research Interests: Rural Health, quality based reimbursement structures, burnout among healthcare workers

Joan Taylor joined Purdue Global School of Nursing in 2017 as an adjunct nursing professor teaching didactic and clinical courses. Taylor has been in nursing education for 12 years, teaching in Baccalaureate, Masters and Doctorate Degree Nursing Programs. Currently, at Purdue Global she teaches in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, has course lead duties and serves on the Faculty Development Committee and Faculty Curriculum Committee. In practice she has 26 years of nursing experience in a variety of nursing areas and has practiced as a FNP for the past 13 years in primary care, public health, and women’s health.            

Education: DNP, Purdue Global; MSN, East Carolina University; BSN, East Carolina University; BS in Management and Organizational Development, University of Mount Olive              

Publications: International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship        

Certifications: Family Nurse Practitioner (AANP); Project Management Essentials Certified (PMEC) 

Honors and Achievements: 2021 Purdue Global Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member OWL Awards; 2022 Purdue Global DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty Honoree for the DNP; Nursing Journal Reviewer 

Memberships: North Carolina Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, North Carolina Public Health Association (Eastern District) Sigma Theta Tau, National League of Nursing      

Research Interests: Population Health, Health Disparities, Mental Health, Innovative Educational Technology, Student Stress in Online Learning

Tracy Towne has been a health care professional for over two decades and has a variety of experiences in the field of nursing and nursing education. At Purdue Global, she teaches undergraduate courses in the RN-to-BSN program and has overseen the development of the specialty courses in case management and faith community nursing. She is also responsible for the program’s capstone course. Towne has worked in urology, orthopedics, oncology, renal, geriatrics, long-term care, home health, private duty nursing, and public health nursing. She has been an instructor at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and graduate degree level in a variety of courses.

Education: PhD, Mercer University Georgia Baptist College of Nursing; MSN, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing; BSN, Edgewood College

Research Interests: Management of long-term chronic disease related to Type 2 Diabetes

Sarah Townsend is a full time faculty member in the nursing program at Purdue Global. She began her career at Purdue Global in 2023. She teaches in a variety of clinical and simulation lab courses in the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program. Townsend's background includes 16 years in the Emergency Department working in various roles including educator, charge nurse, and supervisor.

Education: MSN, Nebraska Wesleyan University; BSN, Allen College          

Certifications: Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) 

Memberships: Emergency Nurse's Association and Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society

Sarah Wacht began her career with Purdue Global in 2018. Wacht served as adjunct faculty starting with the organization and has taught in a variety of clinical and labs in addition to participating in curriculum development in the nursing courses for the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) in the School of Nursing. Her experience includes 10 years as a registered nurse in emergency services, including flight nursing, and five years teaching adult learners in the ASN program.

Education: BSN, Graceland University     

Certifications: Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN)              

Honors and Achievements: Served on two pediatric medical missions in Jamaica in 2016 and 2017     

Memberships: Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

Laura Wood teaches various graduate nursing courses, with a special emphasis on nursing education and leadership. She is a subject matter expert for the nurse educator track and currently chairs multiple committees in service to the University, profession, and public and works as a nurse consultant. Prior to joining Purdue Global, Wood held roles as a wellness coordinator, court advocate, and pediatric nurse.

Education: MSN, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global); BSN, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global); AAS, Prairie State College; ASN, Prairie State College

Publications: Using a Telephone Call to Increase Social Presence in Online Classes

Certifications: Certified Nurse Care Manager (American Board of Managed Care Nursing