CCN – Capstone College of Nursing – The University of Alabama

Bridger Endowed Lectureship in Nursing & Health Care

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Join us for the Donna Cox Bridger Endowed Lectureship in Nursing & Health Care on April 23rd at 4 pm at the Capstone College of Nursing. Dr. Matthew C. Morris, Chief Nurse Executive at Wilmington VA Medical Center, will present Patient Safety (r)Evolution: safety failures, models of success and a personal call to action. RSVP for the lectureship by April 18th. One Nursing CE will be offered to those in attendance, and a meal will be provided.

Matthew C. Morris, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, is a distinguished nursing leader with over 30 years of experience in health care. Currently, he is the Chief Nurse Executive at Wilmington VA Medical Center, where he leads strategic and quality initiatives across a wide range of patient care services. Previously, Dr. Morris served as Vice President of Patient Care & Chief Nursing Officer at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center and Atlantic General Hospital & Health System, where he implemented care model innovations, enhanced capacity, and improved quality outcomes.
Dr. Morris holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from The University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Health Services Leadership & Management from the University of Maryland. He is board certified as a Nurse Executive Advanced and in Nursing Professional Development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and holds the Certified in Executive Nursing Practice credential from the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.
His recent recognitions include being named a University of Alabama Centennial Scholar, the DAISY Leadership Award, and induction as a Fellow in the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing. Dr. Morris’s professional memberships include the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the American Society for Health Care Human Resources Administration. He actively contributes to advancing nursing leadership and health care practices through board service and advisory roles.

RSVP BY APRIL 18 HERE

The Donna Cox Bridger Endowed Lectureship in Nursing & Health Care was established to honor the memory of Mrs. Bridger and promote awareness of current topics in the fields of nursing and health care. This lecture will serve as the first of many as the Bridger Lectureship evolves into an ongoing series format.

2025 DNP Intensive Speakers

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Katherine Dudding, PhD, RN, RNC-NIC, CNE

Dr. Katherine Dudding has 27 culminative years as an experienced neonatal nurse, clinical lead, educator, and researcher. She earned her PhD in Nursing from the University of Arizona with a substantive focus in Informatics and a minor in cognitive science focusing on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Dr. Dudding is an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama where she teaches Informatics. Her research focuses on increasing our understanding of neonates with pain. In particular, she studies neonate to nurse communication of pain for quicker pain relief to improve outcomes for neonates using a technology-based intervention.

She is an active member of NANN, ANN, and serves on the Editorial Board for Advances in Neonatal Care. Also, she is an active member with the American Medical Informatics Association where she was a past co-chair of the Nursing Informatics Workgroup Education Committee.

Kacie W. Duncan, PhD, RN, CCRN

Dr. Kacie Duncan is an assistant professor at the Capstone College of Nursing. She began her nursing career in the Medical Intensive Care Unit and it was here she developed her love for critical care. Dr. Duncan also has experience in Cardiac Intensive Care and rheumatology infusion therapies.

She completed her BSN at The University of Alabama, a Masters in Nursing Education from the University of North Alabama and a Ph.D. in Nursing Science in 2024 from the University of Alabama and University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Joint Nursing Science Doctoral Program.

Dr. Duncan’s main areas of research are focused on mental health across the lifespan. She has studied mental health in the college student population, faculty’s role in student mental health support, student anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, and mental health training and evaluation. Dr. Duncan is a faculty affiliate with the Center for Substance Use Research and Related Conditions (CSURRC), and serves on the board of Family Counseling Service which serves the people of West Alabama’s mental, emotional and social well-being.

Duncan is a member of the American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau, Phi Kappa Phi and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Kacie is also the Chair of the Gratitude Committee here at CCN. She is a certified critical care nurse by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and has also been certified in mental health first aid by The National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Eileen Meyer, DNP, MLS, CRNP, ACNP-BC

Dr. Eileen Meyer is a distinguished healthcare leader with a robust career dedicated to advancing the nurse practitioner profession. She earned her MSN from the UAB School of Nursing in 1997 and later her DNP in 2017. Dr. Meyer began her career as a nurse practitioner with Dr. Albert Pacifico at UAB in the Congenital and Acquired Cardiac Surgery department, quickly rising to lead nurse practitioner under Dr. James K. Kirklin. In 2015, she became the Assistant Director of Advanced Practice Providers at UAB Medicine. Her commitment to the field has been evident through her leadership in developing and expanding statewide procedural protocols, expanding Medicaid billing codes and reimbursement, expanding the FTE ratio through regulatory rule change, and successfully advocating for the passage of Alabama Act 2018-474, which removed barriers to practice for nurse practitioners. Dr. Meyer has been deeply involved with the Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Alabama (NPAA), serving as Vice President of Policy and Senior Policy Advisor from 2017 to 2023 before being elected President in 2023. Under her leadership, NPAA has significantly advanced healthcare policy and practice. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Meyer is dedicated to educating future nurses. She has been an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at the UAB School of Nursing in the DNP program, teaching the Health Policy and Politics course. She has also guest lectured nationwide, educating nurses and nurse practitioners on policy and political involvement. Dr. Meyer has received several state and national awards recognizing her contributions to practice and policy. Additionally, along with her husband, Dr. Bruce Burns, she has endowed nursing scholarships at both UAB and the University of Charleston in West Virginia, supporting pre-licensure nursing students. Dr. Meyer will earn a Master of Jurisprudence with an Emphasis on Health Law, Policy, and Management at Texas A&M School of Law in December of 2024. Her commitment to education, mentorship, and healthcare advocacy continues to impact the profession profoundly.

Mercy Ngosa Mumba, PhD, RN, FAAN

Dr. Mercy Mumba is an award-winning scientist and the Associate Dean of Global Initiatives and Community Partnerships at the University of Alabama, Capstone College of Nursing. Her work is widely funded by many United States federal agencies, totaling over $30 million in grant funding. She is the Sigma Liaison to the United Nations, the Founding Director of the Center for Substance Use Research, the President-Elect of the Southern Nursing Research Society, the section editor for the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, and a member of the American Academy of Nursing Psychiatric, Mental Health, and Substance Use Expert Panel. She is the author of the award-winning book “A nurse’s step-by-step guide to transitioning to an academic role: Strategies to jumpstart your career in education and research”.

Kerri L Outlaw DNP, PMHNP-BC, CNS, RN

Dr. Outlaw is a native of Troy, AL. Dr. Outlaw has over 28 years of nursing experience and has worked in a variety of settings including Obstetrics, home health, hospice, outpatient surgery and the past Twelve years have been in Psychiatric/mental health both acute and outpatient care. Dr. Outlaw has over 18 years of service in Academia and is currently a fulltime Associate Professor, as the PMHNP Concentration Coordinator at University of Alabama, Capstone College of Nursing on their main campus in Tuscaloosa Alabama. She has been employed with UA since 2022. She is a member of American Nurses Association (ANA), Sigma Theta Tau, Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA) and American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) and she is a licensed Nurse Practitioner in the states of Alabama. Dr. Outlaw completed her Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree of Nursing at Troy State University (Troy, Al); Master of Science Degree as a Clinical Nurse Specialist at Troy University (Troy, Al); Doctorate in Nursing Practice at Troy University (Troy, Al) post graduate certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, Al). Dr. Outlaw and her husband of 34 years have 3 beautiful adult children and four grandchildren. Dr. Outlaw is active in her community and a current volunteer for Hospice. She serves as a medical professional annually in Honduras every June. She attends church at the Highlands in Montgomery Alabama.

Jessica L. Peck DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP, FAAN

Jessica Peck DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP, FAAN Clinical Professor, Louise Herrington School of Nursing, Baylor University Past President, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Nurse Practitioner of the Year, Texas Nurse Practitioners Advocate of the Year, American Nurses Association Loretta Ford Distinguished Nurse Practitioner, National Association of Pediatric NPs Dr. Jessica Peck provides innovative, visionary, and award-winning nursing leadership. She is Distinguished Alumnus for both the University of Alabama and University of Texas Medical Branch. She holds the Lillian Wald Humanitarian Award from the National League for Nursing and has many policy and advocacy awards. She is a three-time Hall of Fame Inductee for nursing journal article of the year. Dr. Peck holds elite honorary designation of Fellow from both the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Peck is an internationally recognized anti-trafficking advocate. As President of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, she created the Alliance for Children in Trafficking and served as founding chair. Dr. Peck served as consultant to the US Congress and worked with the US Department of Health and Human Services and an interprofessional team to create core competencies for health professionals caring for individuals exploited and abused through trafficking. She was instrumental in passage of House Bill 2059, mandating continuing education for all care providers in Texas. She is lead medical consultant for Unbound Houston and has helped educate more than 50,000 nurses through the CE she helped design with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Peck has educated an additional 20,000 nurses through NAPNAP and has given more than 300 presentations to various audiences. Dr. Peck is currently a Clinical Professor at Baylor University in Dallas, Texas. She holds active credentials as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Educator, and Clinical Nurse Leader. Dr. Peck is a frequently requested speaker on anti-trafficking and child health promotion. She is editing the first pediatric Covid-19 textbook in the world. She has published more than 50 clinical articles for peer-reviewed journals, is a regular contributor for parenting magazines and a frequent guest on radio, television, and other media. She is the author of Behind Closed Doors: A Guide for Parents and Teens to Navigate Through Life’s Toughest Issues, released by W Publishing and ranked #1 new release on Amazon. She is creator and host of the Dr. Nurse Mama Show, a daily live program aired on American Family Radio.

Denise Robertson, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CNL

Dr. Denise Robertson is a highly accomplished leader in the nursing field, boasting nearly 30 years of experience. She holds an Executive DNP from The University of Alabama at Birmingham, as well as both an MSN and BSN from The University of Alabama, Capstone College of Nursing. Currently, Dr. Robertson serves as the Associate Chief Nurse at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, where she oversees nursing operations and coordinates care across Primary and Specialty Care services. Her commitment to nursing extends beyond her role at the VA. As the Mentor Community Manager for the American Nurses Association, she promotes the advancement of the profession through mentorship. Previously, she served as the President of the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA), District 2, and was honored with the ASNA Nursing Mentorship Award. Additionally, she has contributed to the nursing literature by co-authoring an article in The American Nurse Journal that emphasizes the significance of mentoring relationships in nursing.

Julee Briscoe Waldrop, DNP, FNP-C, CNE, EBP-C, NC-BC, FAANP, FAAN

Dr. Julee Waldrop is a Professor Emeritus at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing and a Clinical Associate at Duke University School of Nursing. She is the recent past editor-in-chief of The Journal for Nurse Practitioners. Along with her collaborator, Jayne Jennings Dunlap, she developed the Mountain Model, which seamlessly integrates EBP and QI with a foundation in research. This includes a new evidence-searching question (PPCO) as a more straightforward and unbiased alternative to the PICO question for clinical inquiry. She is retired from nurse practitioner practice, where her expertise was in mothers and newborns. She is the founder and President of Julee Briscoe Waldrop, LLC, where she consults DNP programs and programs undergoing accreditation. She advocates for health and wellness, spreading her message of the need for rest and teaching how to integrate brief rest practices into the lives of formal and informal caregivers. She holds a DNP from Duke University School of Nursing, an MS from the University of Illinois at Chicago, a BSN from Texas Woman’s University, and an AB from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

2025 DNP Intensive Agenda

UA Capstone College of Nursing Welcomes Hill Crest Foundation Visiting Professor in Nursing

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The Capstone College of Nursing is pleased to welcome Dr. Leigh Holley, who joined The University of Alabama as the Hill Crest Foundation Visiting Professor in Nursing in January. Dr. Holley brings expertise developed through teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels as well as teaching NCLEX prep for new graduates nationally. In the last several years, she has served as a consultant in both higher education and legal forums.

“Dr. Holley’s qualifications align perfectly with the needs of the College at this time,” said Dean Julie Sanford. “We could not be more excited to have her join us.”

Dr. Holley’s work will focus on curriculum development and implementation of a master’s entry practice nursing degree (MEPN) at the College that allows students who previously earned a bachelor’s degree in another major to enroll on a track to become a master’s level practicing nurse.

“My hope as the inaugural Hill Crest Visiting Professor is that CCN can expand Alabama’s accessibility to health care through more providers offering quality care, thereby improving health outcomes statewide,” said Dr. Holley. “I believe the MEPN offers an excellent opportunity in the form of an accelerated pathway for those desiring an advanced nursing degree and career in health care.”

“I am hopeful this program can improve health and wellness by increasing the number of nursing providers caring for Alabama and across the entire mid-south.”

“We are proud to be offering the MEPN, a progressive new program at CCN that will help us meet the growing health care needs of this state. Dr. Holley’s background and expertise will ensure the success of this essential program,” shared Dr. Amy Lee, CCN Associate Dean for Graduate Programs.

In 2024, Hill Crest Foundation, Inc., pledged $250,000 ($50,000 annually for five years) to create this visiting professor position. The addition of named visiting faculty positions allows the College to attract and retain nationally recognized scholars and experts in the field of nursing, like Dr. Holley, who will further the quality of teaching and research at the Capstone College of Nursing.

“We are happy to partner with The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing and are thrilled to see that Dr. Holley’s work will be used to address the nursing shortage,” said Mr. Charles R. Terry, Jr., Director of Hill Crest Foundation.

Dean Sanford added, “It is the generosity of donors, like Mr. Terry and the Hill Crest Foundation, that best positions the Capstone College of Nursing to address the needs of our community. We are extremely grateful for their partnership in this endeavor and look forward to welcoming our first MEPN cohort in 2025.”

Men and women in commencement regalia on stage

UA Capstone College of Nursing Ranked Among Best Online Programs for 2025

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The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing has been ranked No. 2 among the 2025 Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for Veterans and No. 6 Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report. The publication also ranked CCN as No. 7 in both Online Master’s in Nursing Administration/Leadership Programs and Online Master’s in Nursing Education Programs.

“The goal is to not only excel in nursing but to also be a model of nursing leadership and excellence. We could not reach this goal if we were not surrounded by passionate colleagues who strive to achieve and embody our values of being a leading nursing institution,” said Dean Julie Sanford.

“These rankings are inspiring and show the extraordinary steps that are taken at the Capstone College of Nursing.”

U.S. News evaluated schools in the Best Online Master’s in Nursing Program, Nursing Administration/Leadership program, Online Master’s in Nursing Education program, and Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for Veterans based on a variety of factors, such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies.

“CCN is proud to offer a number of innovative graduate programs designed to offer flexibility and accessibility for our students, ensuring they succeed not only in the program, but in their respective career paths and areas of interest after graduation,” said Dr. Amy Lee, CCN Associate Dean for Graduate Programs.

For more information about the College’s masters and doctoral degrees, click here.

In its 13th year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs is designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education, and the rankings only include degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions. Prospective students can see how the University of Alabama compares to other institutions and how the rankings are calculated on USNews.com.

“Access to accurate and up-to-date information about online programs is important for prospective students and professionals as they choose a program that aligns with their educational and career goals,” says LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for education at U.S. News. “By evaluating factors such as student engagement and program quality, Best Online Programs rankings can help students identify which schools offer an exceptional online learning experience.”

For more information on the Best Online Programs, explore X, Instagram, Facebook and use #BestOnline.

Dean Julie Sanford Elected AACN Chair-Elect

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The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing is pleased to share that Dean Julie Sanford has been elected to serve as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing‘s Chair-Elect.

“Dean Sanford’s election as AACN Chair-Elect is wonderful recognition of her leadership and accomplishments in nursing education, research, and practice,” said Dr. James Dalton, UA Executive Vice President and Provost. “This esteemed role is an amazing opportunity for her to share her expertise and vision for nursing while fostering national recognition of our outstanding Capstone College of Nursing.”

AACN is the national voice for academic nursing, working to establish quality standards for nursing education; assisting schools in implementing those standards; influencing the nursing profession to improve health care; and promoting public support for professional nursing education, research, and practice.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be elected to serve AACN in this capacity,” said Dean Sanford. “I look forward to advancing the groundbreaking work of the organization that sets the standard for nursing education in our nation.”

AACN is governed by a 14-member Board of Directors, 11 of whom represent a member institution, and 2 represent nursing practice.

“On behalf of the academic nursing community, I applaud Dr. Sanford for her commitment to shaping the future of nursing education as AACN’s top elected leader,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “She is highly regarded among her peers in health care and higher education for her advocacy on behalf of the nursing profession, her skills as a consensus builder, and her ability to achieve results.”

Dean Sanford continued, “I am thrilled to be able serve AACN over the next four years while representing The University of Alabama and Bama Nursing, Where Legends Are Made.”

The Capstone College of Nursing is recognized as a national innovator in clinical simulation in nursing education, utilizing simulators and telehealth technology in teaching, research and health care delivery. In recent years, the college’s nursing licensure pass rates for graduates have ranged from 97 to 100%, consistently exceeding statewide and national averages. The college is also designated as one of the National Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.

The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

Read AACN’s full release here.

Male student in crimson scrubs in front of Where Legends Are Made banner

UACCN Online Master’s Programs Ranked No. 1 for Veterans for Second Year in a Row

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The Capstone College of Nursing at The University of Alabama is proud to announce its online master’s in nursing programs have once again been ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

In 2024, CCN received top recognition, ranking No. 1 for Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs for Veterans for the second year in a row. UA is the only school in the state of Alabama ranked in this category.

“The Capstone College of Nursing is committed to excellence in the delivery of educational opportunities for all of our students, including distance learners,” said Dean Julie Sanford. “We are proud to offer program formats that support the success of those students, and are especially proud to know we are supporting our veterans.”

Additionally, the College’s Master of Science in Nursing Program ranked No. 6 for Best Online MSN Program and was the only Alabama nursing program ranked in the top 40.

“CCN’s faculty and staff are committed to ensuring optimal program delivery to meet the needs of our students, and strive to offer accessible and flexible online programs for practicing nurses including our military veterans.” said Dr. Amy Lee, CCN Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. “We are honored by this recognition and are proud to contribute to the growth and development of the nursing profession here at The University of Alabama.”

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Nursing Programs were determined based on the institution’s performance across five categories: engagement, faculty credentials and training, peer assessment, student services and technology, and student excellence. For more information about the Best Online Programs methodology, click here.

CCN currently offers the following graduate programs: MSN Nurse Executive; MSN Nurse Practitioner (Family and/or Mental Health); MSN Nurse Educator, Doctor of Nursing Practice; Joint Online Nursing Science PhD program with the University of Alabama in Huntsville; Doctorate in Education for Nurse Educators in partnership with UA College of Education; and post-graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate Programs. For more information about CCN’s graduate programs, click here.

UA, Partners Aim to Improve Health in Tuscaloosa County

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An effort led by The University of Alabama aims to improve health, prevent chronic diseases and reduce health disparities in Tuscaloosa County children and their families with the highest burden of chronic disease.

Funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health, or REACH, program to the Capstone College of Nursing supports a community coalition among UA, Alabama Department of Public Health, Tuscaloosa Public Library, Tuscaloosa County School System and a family healthy weight program to enhance existing resources, address Tuscaloosa County’s health needs and reduce health disparities.

Assistant professors Drs. Janet Brown and Leigh Ann Bray Dayton received over $784,000 for the first year of the five-year REACH program.

Program Goals

Over the five years of the program, UA will coordinate with community partners to implement proven public health strategies for:

Accessible healthy food choices – promoting food service and nutrition guidelines while also expanding access to existing fruit and vegetable voucher incentive and produce prescription programs.
Safe and accessible physical activity – recommending ways to connect pedestrian, bicycle or transit transportation networks to everyday destinations.
Family healthy weight programs – improving access to effective, family-centered, culturally relevant health behavior and lifestyle treatment programs.
COVID-19, flu and other routine vaccines – increasing awareness, confidence, demand and access to routinely recommended adult vaccines for racial and ethnic groups experiencing disparities in immunization, including uninsured adults.

During the first year of the REACH program, the professors will assess family and community needs to better understand how to connect families to resources and determine what changes could be made in the area to encourage a healthier lifestyle.

Heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke are among the most common causes of illness, disability and death in the United States. They are also leading drivers of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual health care costs. These chronic conditions and the factors that lead to them are more common or severe for some racial and ethnic groups.

As one of 41 communities across the country included in the REACH program, the University professors plan and carry out local, culturally appropriate programs that address a wide range of health issues among racial and ethnic minority groups where health gaps remain.

UA Expands Behavioral Health Services for Rural Alabama Youth

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama is confronting the shortage of behavioral health services for youth in rural Alabama with more than $3.7 million in federal funding.

UA’s College of Human Environmental Sciences and the Center for Substance Use Research and Related Conditions in the Capstone College of Nursing are leading the program supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration. Awards from HRSA’s Rural Communities Opioid Response Program – Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health support the establishment and expansion of sustainable behavioral health care services for children and adolescents aged 5-17 years who live in rural communities, and to prevent substance misuse.

“Children and adolescents in rural communities are among the most vulnerable due to limited resources and limited access to behavioral health and substance use services,” said Dr. Deborah Casper, CHES associate professor who secured the funding. “Our goal is to promote health, opportunity, passion and equity through the development of sustainable, collaborative, community resources for children, youth and families in rural Alabama.”

The UA “Health. Opportunity. Passion. Equity.,” or H.O.P.E., project will provide evidence-based, strength-based and trauma-informed behavioral health and substance use services along the entire continuum of care, including prevention, treatment and recovery, to children and adolescents in Pickens County and surrounding areas.

By working with public school systems, the direct prevention, treatment and recovery services available through H.O.P.E. are projected to reach over 5,000 youth and families in West Alabama. The program will offer services in Pickens County the first year, adding other nearby counties over the four years of the project period.

“The H.O.P.E. project will greatly impact the community by expanding much-needed mental health services and resources to a disadvantaged adolescent population,” said Dr. Letisha Scott, CCN clinical associate professor and member of H.O.P.E. project team. Dr. Scott will oversee the screening and referral of youth attending participating schools that do not have SMART® clinics.

Training and mentorship opportunities for school personnel, professionals and paraprofessionals as well as strengthening community partnerships will increase the communities’ capacity to identify at-risk youth and provide the much-needed services that are virtually nonexistent in these rural communities.

The H.O.P.E project will work in collaboration with CSURRC whose mission is to promote the health and well-being of individuals and communities affected by substance use disorders and related conditions in Alabama and beyond.

“CSURRC is honored to support this important work, as center affiliated scientists and students continue to proactively address substance use and mental health problems in our state,” said Dr. Mercy Mumba, CSURRC director and associate professor of nursing.

Along with Casper, Scott and Mumba, the interdisciplinary team on the H.O.P.E. project includes CHES faculty Dr. Blake Berryhill, associate professor; Dr. Karly Downs, assistant professor, and Dr. Tricia Witte, associate professor; as well as Dr. Hee Yun Lee professor and Endowed Academic Chair in Social Work (Health), and Dr. Laura Hopson, associate professor in the School of Social Work; and Dr. George Mugoya, associate professor in the College of Education.

UA Reaching Rural Areas to Improve Cardiovascular Health

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama is spearheading an effort to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease in West Alabama.

With $6 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spread out over the next five years, UA faculty, staff and students will work with local health care providers to implement programs and resources designed to reduce risk factors for heart attacks, strokes and other issues stemming from poor cardiovascular health. The work will focus on nine counties around the University that include rural and underserved areas of the state.

“UA has strong community-based researchers and strong relationships with communities in West Alabama,” said Dr. Sharlene Newman, executive director of the Alabama Life Research Institute. “We will tackle this problem from multiple directions with hope that the planned programming will result in fewer residents with uncontrolled high blood pressure and high cholesterol as well as fewer smokers.”

The Alabama Life Research Institute at UA is leading the coalition of researchers and practitioners from the Capstone College of Nursing and the Institute of Data Analytics in the Culverhouse College of Business.

“The West Alabama Cardiovascular Health Program will allow us to partner with each community to increase access to care and improve health literacy with a community-specific focus on hypertension prevention and treatment,” said Dr. Paige Turner Johnson, associate professor and the Saxon Chair for Rural Nursing. “Together we can empower them to write their own story of well-being to create a healthier tomorrow.”

Alabama has some of the highest rates of hypertension in the country, ranked at 47 with 42.7% of the population having a diagnosis, and with Alabamians having a 10-percentage point higher hypertension rate than the national average, according to America’s Health Ranking.

The West Alabama Cardiovascular Health Program will offer services that assist communities with controlling blood pressure and cholesterol by helping people take medication regularly and guiding their diet and exercise. UA will also provide smoking cessation programming.

The program will also bring together local health care workers and community leaders to identify issues affecting health and provide a list of resources to address those barriers.

Through a collaboration with One Alabama Health Record, the team will also increase the use of health information systems to monitor and address the cardiovascular health of the targeted counties.

The program will allow for research on local community needs, how to best use health information data to improve community health and what interventions work best for each community.

“All of this is necessary to develop effective change,” Newman said. “Serving our state and conducting research are necessarily intimately intertwined.”

Along with Newman and Johnson, the West Alabama Cardiovascular Heath Program includes Dr. Christina Ezemenaka, assistant professor of nursing; Dr. Wanda Martin Burton, assistant professor of nursing; Dr. Letisha Scott, clinical assistant professor of nursing; and Dr. Matthew Hudnall, associate professor of management information systems and associate director of the Institute of Data and Analytics.

students dressed in Alabama garb cheering from Homecoming float

2023 Homecoming Tailgate

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Nursing students dressed in Alabama garb cheering from Homecoming float

Dean Julie Sanford and the Capstone College of Nursing Alumni Association invite you to CCN’s Homecoming Tailgate on the Quad! Join fellow alumni, friends, faculty and staff on October 14th from 8 to 10 a.m. on the Quad for a complimentary pregame breakfast buffet!

Capstone College of Nursing Homecoming Tailgate
October 14, 2023
8 to 10 a.m.
Tents 163C and 164C on The Quad

RSVP here by October 10!

CCN’s tailgate will be on the Quad, Tents 163C and 164C (map below). Contact Rosemary Kirby (rosemary.kirby@ua.edu) for more information. Thanks and Roll Tide!

Julie T. Sanford Begins Her Role as Dean of UA Capstone College of Nursing

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The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing is pleased to welcome Julie Tanner Sanford, DNS, RN, FAAN, ANEF, as the Angelyn Adams Giambalvo Dean of the College, effective August 1, 2023.

“I am thrilled to return to The University of Alabama as dean of the Capstone College of Nursing,” said Dr. Sanford. “As a nurse, then nurse educator and eventually dean, I have had the pleasure of watching my alma mater achieve great success and become the prestigious program we know today. I am looking forward to being back home at CCN and building on the strengths to even greater excellence. The possibilities are endless!”

UA Receives $3.5 Million to Confront Nursing Faculty Shortage

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The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing is addressing the need to grow and diversify Alabama’s nursing education workforce with the support of more than $3.5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Dr. Susan Welch, associate professor with the Capstone College of Nursing, secured the funding from the department’s Employment and Training Administration’s Nursing Expansion Grant Program that supports innovative partnerships and strategies that expand and diversify America’s pipeline of qualified nursing professionals. Specifically, these grants will increase the number of nursing instructors and educators.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that only 17.3% of full-time nurse educators in the U.S. are from minority backgrounds. Additionally, one-third of the current nurse educator workforce is projected to retire by 2025.

Welch’s project, BAMA DIstance, aims to increase and diversify the number of nurse educators in Alabama through sustained partnerships between CCN, historically Black colleges and universities, and academic institutions with nursing student populations from underrepresented groups.

The project will recruit Bachelor of Science in Nursing-prepared nurses in Alabama to earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a nursing education specialty. Throughout the course of their studies, the program will support participants’ transition from clinical experts to clinical nurse educators.

“The National Academies of Medicine’s ‘Future of Nursing’ calls on nursing schools to address the nurse educator shortage from diverse populations to advance health equity,” said Welch. “BAMA DIstance aims to prepare a diverse population of registered nurses to enter the nursing education workforce, both addressing the nurse educator shortage and transforming the landscape of health care in our state.”

The U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration will award funding through the Nursing Expansion Grant Program to 25 public-private partnerships in 17 states.

Graduate Program Information Sessions

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Save the date! Vickie Samuel, CCN’s Coordinator of Graduate Student Services, is holding information sessions for several of our programs over the next few months. Use the links below to register.

July 19, 5 pm: Nurse Practitioner Information Session – Register Here
August 16, 5 pm: Nurse Administrator Information Session – Register Here
August 29, 3 pm: DNP Information Session – Register Here
September 20, 5 pm: Graduate Nursing Information Session – Register Here
October 18, 3 pm: Joint PhD Information Session – Register Here

For more information on all graduate programs at CCN, click here.

7 committee members stand behind governor at desk

Governor Proclaims November 9 as Alabama Frontline Nurses Day

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Governor Kay Ivey has proclaimed November 9, 2023, as Alabama Frontline Nurses Day. The Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame Committee requested the proclamation to raise awareness of the essential role frontline nurses play in our state’s healthcare system.

The proclamation recognizes nursing as the nation’s largest healthcare profession, with over 4 million registered nurses nationwide, and that nurses are “an indispensable component of the safety and quality of patients’ care.” See the official proclamation here.

Nov. 9 has been proclaimed Alabama Frontline Nurses Day as that is the date of the 2023 Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame, an event that will bring together individuals and organizations to celebrate the accomplishments, excellence and impact of outstanding members of the nursing profession.

Established by the Capstone College of Nursing’s Board of Visitors in March 2001, the Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame was created to honor nurses and others who, through their work and accomplishments, have brought honor and fame to the profession of nursing and the state of Alabama.

The Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame committee is proud to announce the individuals selected for induction in 2023 include Dr. Judy Bittinger, Ms. Carolyn Chalkley, Dr. Jennifer Coleman, Dr. Joy P. Deupree, Ms. Pepper Hoover, Dr. Joyce Loyd-Davis, Ms. Dorothy Scarbrough, and Ms. Ernestine Tucker.

Judy Bittinger, DSN, PhD, RN

Carolyn B. Chalkley, MSN, RN, Retired

Jennifer J. Coleman, PhD, RN, CNE, COI, Professor, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing, Samford University

Joy P. Deupree, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC, FAAN, Professor, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing

Deborah “Pepper” Hoover, MSN, FNP, RN, Program Director, Department of Nursing Education, Wallace State Community College Hanceville

Joyce Loyd-Davis DNP, FNP-BC, MSN, MSM, Sr. Director of Health Services, Alabama State University

Dorothy Ray Scarbrough, BSN, MSN, RNC

Ernestine Tucker, RN, Certified Nurse Practitioner

The 2023 Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame will be held on Thursday, Nov. 9 at the Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Event sponsorship and ticket details forthcoming.

For more information, click here or contact Rosemary Kirby, Communications Specialist and Events Coordinator for the Capstone College of Nursing.

Rosemary Russell Kirby, rurussell@ua.edu, (205) 348-7429

Pictured above: Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame representatives Allison Chandler, Wayne Hogg, Cathy Boardman, Regina Yarbrough, Anita Hamlett, Suzy McCallum, Leah Ann Sexton, Amanda Meacham and Tony Roberson with Governor Kay Ivey.

2023 Bama Blitz: Reaching Rural Alabama

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A group of CCN faculty, students and community partners in front of CHOICE Resource Center sign.

2023 Bama Blitz to raise funds for CCN Rural Health Initiatives

At CCN, we are working to prepare nurses that will be the positive change we need to see in rural healthcare.

From combating the substance and opioid use epidemic and increasing access to emergency services and telemedicine, to improving mental health primary care integration and increasing rural Alabama COVID-19 vaccination rates, CCN is positively impacting significant rural health issues.

UA’s Bama Blitz crowdfunding campaign will kick off at noon on April 18th and conclude at noon on April 20th. Your gift to the Reaching Rural Alabama Support Fund will help our students and faculty affect change through initiatives like community projects, student and faculty research and experiential learning opportunities.

Using the Alabama Rural Health Association definition of rural, 55 of the 67 Alabama counties are classified as some degree of rural. These rural counties also are classified as medically underserved areas and designated as health provider shortage areas by the Health Resources and Services Administration.

The Capstone College of Nursing is leading the way in Alabama’s rural counties by advocating for policy change, offering services where there is a provider shortage, and using creative research strategies to improve overall health outcomes in Alabama. It is our hope that empowering students with the ability to provide patient-centered, culturally-appropriate care to individuals who otherwise would not have access to health services will create a desire in the next generation of nurses to practice in underserved areas.

We hope you will consider supporting this fund during Bama Blitz. With your help, we can reach our goal to raise $10,000 for the Reaching Rural Alabama Support Fund!

Visit bamablitz.ua.edu to make your gift from noon on April 18th until noon on April 20th!

Read CCN’s 2022 Capsule Magazine, Championing Rural Health to learn more about the College’s passion for improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.

Learn more about CCN’s Rural Health Initiatives here.

Recent CCN partnerships and projects:

UACCN Recognized for Top Online Programs

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The Capstone College of Nursing at The University of Alabama is proud to announce its online programs have again been ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

In 2023, CCN received top recognition, ranking No. 1 for Best Online Programs for Veterans. UA is the only school in the state of Alabama ranked in this category. Additionally, the College’s Master of Science in Nursing Program ranked No. 2 for Best Online MSN Program and was the only Alabama nursing program ranked in the top 50.

CCN’s Family Nurse Practitioner program was ranked No. 4, the highest ranking in both the state and the Southeastern Conference in this category. And, its Nursing Administration program was ranked No. 14 for 2023.

“The Capstone College of Nursing prides itself on offering flexible online programs for practicing nurses while maintaining the level of excellence for which our educational programs are known,” said Dean Suzanne Prevost. “We are proud to again be recognized in this way. These rankings show the outstanding commitment of our faculty and staff to provide creative and innovative learning environments for our students who are truly passionate lifelong learners.”

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Nursing Programs were determined based on the institution’s performance across five categories: engagement, faculty credentials and training, expert opinion, services and technologies, and student excellence. For more information about the Best Online Programs methodology, click here.

CCN currently offers the following graduate programs: MSN Nurse Administrator; MSN Nurse Practitioner (Family and/or Mental Health); Doctor of Nursing Practice; Joint Online Nursing Science PhD program with the University of Alabama in Huntsville; Doctorate in Education for Nurse Educators in partnership with UA College of Education; and post-graduate Nurse Practitioner Certificate Programs. For more information about CCN’s graduate programs, click here .

Currently, U.S. News & World Report does not report rankings for online DNP and PhD programs.

Dr. Prevost Stepping Down After 10 Years as Dean

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Dr. Suzanne Prevost, dean of the Capstone College of Nursing, has announced she plans to step down as dean at the end of the academic year after more than nine years in that role. She plans to continue teaching at UA.

Prevost joined the University as dean and professor in August 2013 after serving in leadership positions at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing and Middle Tennessee State University.

Under Prevost’s leadership, the College’s enrollment increased by 24%. A new wing was added to the College, increasing facility space by 50%. New graduate programs and post graduate certificate programs were established for nurse practitioners and nurse administrators. An independent Doctor of Nursing practice program was established, and the joint nursing science Ph.D. program was established in collaboration with The University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing.

CCN programs rose dramatically in U.S. News & World Report rankings, including the most recent rankings of No. 7 for the Family Nurse Practitioner Program and No. 9 for the Nursing Administration Program. The BSN program is currently ranked in the top 5% of BSN programs nationally. The nursing licensure pass rates for CCN graduates have ranged from 97 to 100%, consistently exceeding statewide and national averages. The College is also designated as one of the National Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.

Extramural grant funding to the College has increased four-fold over the past decade, and the College established the Research Center for Substance Use and Related Conditions in April. During the current Rising Tide Capital Campaign, the College has raised over $8.6 million, 71% of its $12 million goal.

Information on UA’s search for the next dean of the Capstone College of Nursing can be found here.

Author: CCN