Biography
Jennifer is an accomplished nursing professional with a deep commitment to excellence in education. As the Director of Nursing at Juniata College, she is leading the development of a transformative nursing program, shaping future generations of compassionate and skilled nurses.
Jennifer has over two decades of experience in nursing education, leadership, and accreditation. Her leadership has earned commendations from accrediting agencies for excellence in program evaluation and compliance with national standards. Jennifer’s expertise spans designing and implementing academic programs, including Accelerated BSN, Prelicensure BSN, RN-BSN, and BSN-DNP pathways. She has consistently driven program success through strategic curriculum innovation, faculty mentorship, and student-centered approaches. She is skilled in aligning program goals with industry standards and preparing students for real-world application through evidence-based teaching strategies and robust clinical education.
A passionate educator, Jennifer has taught at all levels of nursing education, from prelicensure BSN to doctoral programs, leveraging evidence-based teaching practices to foster student achievement. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes compassion, communication, and presence—values shaped by her early experiences as an emergency room nurse and her lifelong commitment to nursing.
Beyond teaching, Jennifer is an international and national site visitor for ACEN accreditation and has contributed to nursing research. Her published works address diverse topics such as retaining online RN-BSN students, the role of department chairs in higher education, and simulation technology in nursing education.
Jennifer holds a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, a Master of Science in Nursing Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her contributions to nursing have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Linda J. Emmanuel Teaching and Learning Center Peer Choice Award for Pedagogy Excellence. She recently was awarded the 2025 Outstanding Faculty of the Year from Capella University for exceptional dedication to teaching, innovation, mentorship, and service.
Jennifer's vision is to create an inclusive and forward-thinking nursing program that empowers students to meet the dynamic needs of healthcare with confidence and compassion.