Dr. Kelley Wilson Appointed UArizona Nursing Master of Science for Entry to the Profession of Nursing Program Director
July 24, 2020
After a national search, the University of Arizona College of Nursing has named Kelley Wilson, DNP, MSN, CMSRN, as the new program director of the College’s Master of Science for Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) program. Dr. Wilson joins the College from Georgetown University’s School of Nursing & Health Studies, where she has been serving as program director for the school’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
“As our new MEPN Program Director, Dr. Wilson brings a wealth of experience in teaching and developing courses and academic programs,” said Connie Miller, DNP, RNC-OB, CNE, Clinical Associate Professor and Chair, General Nursing and Health Education Division. “She has solid experience in mentoring and leading teams in addition to proven track record of service and scholarship. We look forward to welcoming her to our MEPN team.”
"As our new MEPN Program Director, Dr. Wilson brings a wealth of experience in teaching and developing courses and academic programs," ~ Connie Miller, DNP, RNC-OB, CNE, Clinical Associate Professor and Chair, General Nursing and Health Education Division
Dr. Wilson earned her BSN and MSN from Marymount University in Arlington, VA and completed her DNP from George Washington University in Washington, DC with a concentration in Nursing Administration.
Dr. Wilson has worked in nursing higher education continuously since 2009, teaching across education levels and programs including the BSN, CNL, MS and DNP programs. In her most recent position, Dr. Wilson functioned as an active faculty member teaching both in the live classroom (pre-COVID19) and online, directed the BSN Program, chaired the Undergraduate Educational Outcomes Committee, and provided guidance to the Student Nurses Association as Faculty Advisor. Several new initiatives were implemented in her short tenure that support student success.
Dr. Wilson has demonstrated strong leadership skills in such areas as undergraduate curriculum, advisement, mentoring and working with difficult student situations. She knows the importance of consultation with faculty members and fellow administrators related to resolution of difficult student circumstances, interpretation of test statistics for improvement, and implementation of best practices in clinical education. Suggestions made under her tenure at Georgetown University strengthened the curriculum and ensured the BSN Program met the BSN Essentials and CCNE accreditation standards.
Dr. Wilson has been a practicing nurse in a variety of staff/management positions for 35 years. Clinical nursing has always been an important part of her career since 1982. Until very recently she worked on a "PRN" basis as a Clinical Practice Specialist at the only Level I Trauma Center in Colombia, SC. Her practice included providing support and mentorship to new nurses; those with less than two years of clinical experience.