"The Doctorate in Nursing Practice is the next step for nurses to reach the peak of education in their desired profession. Our DNP will allow nurses to design, implement and complete a project of their choosing and then have the opportunity to share their knowledge with the nursing community to better improve patient care or processes.

We are excited for students to grow as they add to their next tier of learning at the doctoral level."

A leader, educator, and advanced practice nurse that currently serves as the Associate Dean of Nursing for Graduate Programs, Dr. Wagner has a practice specialty as both an adult-gerontology and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She completed her Diploma RN and BSN in Springfield, Missouri and her MSN and DNP through the University of South Alabama, Mobile. She has 30 years’ experience in healthcare with 20 years as a nursing executive in both academia and healthcare organizations. She has been ensuring that nurses have the opportunity to reach their desired education potential for many years.

Dr. Wagner is instrumental in developing new programs within the academic setting for both the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. Dr. Wagner has led initiatives for organizations to include Dedicated Education Units and Nursing Residency Programs (RNs and NPs) for both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. She has successfully obtained grant funding to support the growth of students in their chosen specialty and support the organizations where they obtain the education.