Anita Nicholson, PhD, RN is a clinical professor and former associate dean for undergraduate programs in the College of Nursing. Her career is devoted to undergraduate baccalaureate nursing education and fostering student-centered learning, teaching excellence, innovation and creativity. She has extensive experience in nursing education administration including curriculum development and evaluation. Her teaching experience includes health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, nursing research, and leadership.

Dr. Nicholson is passionate about teaching a study abroad course in Swaziland (Africa). Swaziland is a small country located in southern Africa where two-thirds of the population live in extreme poverty. A highlight of the course is working with faith community nurses in remote underprivileged rural areas. The nurses practice holistic health using nursing knowledge combined with spiritual care. Students learn about culture, health care needs, and challenges posed by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Dr. Nicholson’s research interests include child visitation in critical care units, behavioral and emotional responses of family members during critical illness, and active-learning teaching strategies including high fidelity simulation. More recent presentations and publications focus on health care in Southern Africa and the role of faith community nurses in helping fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic. She is currently working on a qualitative study of the lived experience of faith community nurses in Swaziland.

Curriculum Vitae