Administration

Shanna W. Akers, R.N., B.S.N., M.S.N./M.B.A.-H.C., Ed.D. CNE, NEA-BC
Dean, School of Nursing
Professor of Nursing

Diane C. Bridge, R.N., B.S.N., M.S.N., Ed.D.
Administrative Dean, School of Nursing Online Education
Associate Professor of Nursing

Sharon J. Kopis, R.N., B.S.N., M.S., Ed.D., CNE, FNP-C
Chair, DNP/APRN Programs
Professor of Nursing

Kathryn Miller, R.N., B.S.N., M.S.N., DNP, CNE, CHSE
Chair, Undergraduate Residential Program
Associate Professor of Nursing

Elizabeth Whorley, R.N., Ph.D., CNE
Chair, Undergraduate and Graduate Online Programs
Associate Professor of Nursing

Program Directors

A listing of program directors can be viewed at https://www.liberty.edu/institutional-effectiveness/academic-program-directors/.

Purpose

The purpose of the Liberty University School of Nursing is to prepare registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses, who are committed to Christian ethical standards and view nursing as a ministry of caring, to care for patients, families, communities as well as to educate and to lead. The nursing curriculum is built upon a foundation from the arts, sciences, and the Bible, and focuses on the use of the nursing process to guide the acquisition of nursing knowledge, build strong clinical skills, and develop the foundation necessary for a sound practice. Graduates are skilled at using the science of nursing, as well as the art of nursing, to positively impact individuals and communities. Built upon a strong legacy, the School of Nursing has five Foundational Stones, which serve to focus faculty and students. These Foundational Stones include: Ethics- Nurses must act within both Biblical and professional ethical standards, Research/Scholarship- Nurses must continue to build the nursing body of research and disseminate gained knowledge, Compassion- Nurses must act with compassion as this helps to build trusting relationships improving the shared experience, Excellence- Nurses must provide excellent patient care as well as practice in excellence whatever their sub-specialty, and Future- Nurses must look to the future to guide decision-making to improve healthcare, patient outcomes, and the profession of nursing.