Job Position and Professional Responsibilities:

I am an Associate Professor and Traditional BSN Concentration Coordinator in the College of Nursing at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. I teach BSN and DNP students in acute/complex care, leadership, and health policy, preparing future nurses and nurse leaders. I collaborate with faculty and staff to support student success and excellence in nursing education. I serve on university, college, and departmental committees. My scholarship focuses on chronic kidney disease, differences in population outcomes, and the social determinants of health. Additionally, I am advancing nursing workforce capacity through a grant-funded initiative in the Mississippi Delta region.

Describe your qualifications for this role, and include past ANNA leadership positions:

My commitment to nephrology nursing is both personal and purpose driven. My father’s journey with end-stage kidney disease revealed the profound impact nephrology nurses have on patients’ and families’ lives. That experience inspired a lifelong commitment to advancing kidney health, advocating for those affected by kidney disease, and empowering nurses to lead meaningful changes. Throughout my career, I have prioritized kidney disease and focused on strategies to prevent progression and improve outcomes.

My qualifications are grounded in years of leadership, service, and engagement within ANNA. Through leadership roles at the national and various levels in ANNA, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of ANNA, its governance and strategic priorities, and the evolving needs of its members.

As ANNA National Secretary, I contribute to Board governance, strategic planning, and organizational decision-making. As Chair of the Bylaws and Policy Committee, I collaborate with members to ensure that ANNA’s policies and governing documents support its mission, values, and future growth. As ANNA’s Member Representative to the Nurses on Boards Coalition, I advocate for nurse representation in leadership and governance roles.

My service on the Nephrology Nursing Journal Editorial Board, Leader of the Educator Specialty Practice Network, and my role on the Founding Council of the Fellow of the American Nephrology Nurses Association have strengthened my commitment to scholarship, mentorship, professional development, and the development of future leaders.

Overall, these experiences have prepared me to serve with vision, integrity, and collaboration, and with an unwavering commitment to advancing nephrology nursing and supporting ANNA’s members.

Describe your role in three ANNA projects/activities which support(ed) ANNA’s mission, goals, and objectives:

Education/Science: As a nurse educator, advancing education and science has been central to my career and to my service to ANNA. I am committed to educating patients, families, nurses, students, and communities about kidney disease prevention and progression. As Leader of the Educator SPN, I promoted professional development among nephrology nurses. Through national presentations and publications on chronic kidney disease, differences in population outcomes, social determinants of health, and emerging issues in nephrology, I have translated evidence into practice. My scholarly contributions include editing and authoring chapters in the Core Curriculum for Nephrology Nursing, developing micro credentials and CKD modules, contributing to Contemporary Nephrology Nursing, and publishing in the Nephrology Nursing Journal.

Advocacy: My father’s kidney disease journey inspired a commitment to advocacy for patients, families, and affected communities. Through the ANNA Advocacy Forum, community outreach, and educational initiatives, I have championed awareness of kidney disease, workforce advocacy, and access to high-quality care for all populations. As a nurse educator, I teach Leadership and Health Policy, preparing future nurse leaders to influence policy and drive meaningful changes for patients and the profession.

Networking: Through committees, SPNs, and collaborative initiatives, I have fostered mentorship, engagement, and leadership development. As a host/speaker for the Way into Nephrology Nursing (WINN) webinars/podcasts, I have actively connected with members and prospective members, promoting nephrology nursing as a rewarding career. I am committed to attracting nurses and new graduates to nephrology, expanding membership representation, and strengthening the workforce through recruitment, retention, and professional connections.