Dr. Jennifer Coleman
Jennifer J. Coleman, PhD, RN, CNE, COI, is known for her work with nursing students, providing them with academic and socialization enrichment during nursing school and beyond. Dr. Coleman earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a master’s in nursing education from Samford University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing ethics from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a professor of nursing in the Moffett and Sanders School of Nursing at Samford University where she coordinates nurse educator courses.
Dr. Coleman chairs the Birmingham Black Nurses Association’s mentorship program where she has worked with over 250 students, assisting with socialization into nursing, career opportunities, professionalism, and community service activities. Pre-licensure students in the program have conducted poster and podium presentations at national and local nursing conferences, published articles in newsletters, and earned graduate degrees. Mentees routinely network with professional nursing leaders across the nation and consistently credit Coleman’s leadership and mentoring with their confidence and success in nursing. Pre-licensure mentees have served on the board of directors of a national nursing organization and have been featured in Ebony Magazine. Dr. Coleman believes that ensuring the future of nursing occurs best by investing in one student at a time.
Dr. Coleman coordinates the National Black Nurses Association’s Mini Nurse Academy, an ambitious undertaking that provides students from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to interact with professional nurses. She leads a national committee of representatives from 14 states with the goal to diversify the nursing workforce by increasing awareness of nursing as a career option for elementary students from communities traditionally underrepresented in nursing. The program began in Alabama and currently operates in 10 states. Student participants represent diversity in gender, socioeconomics, and racial/ethnic groups.
In 2021, UAB School of Nursing recognized Dr. Coleman with the Visionary Leader Award, and NBNA awarded her the Trailblazer Award. Teaching awards include the Alabama State Nurses Association Outstanding Nurse Educator Award and Outstanding Nurse Administrator (Academe) Award, the Alabama League for Nursing Excellence in Teaching Award, and the NBNA Nurse Educator of the Year. In 2018 Samford University’s Office of Diversity & Intercultural Initiatives recognized Dr. Coleman with the Audrey Gaston Howard Award for exemplary achievement and civic and community service.
Dr. Coleman is dedicated to promoting diversity in nursing by developing future and novice nurses. The significance of her leadership is evident with the numerous success stories of former mentees who are now professional nurses, making their impact on the availability of patient-centered, quality health care.