School of Health Sciences – Faculty and Staff

Afua Agyapong is an assistant professor of speech-language pathology at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Ghana, and earned her master’s and doctoral degrees in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of North Dakota.

Dr. Agyapong is a certified speech-language pathologist with clinical experience working in diverse settings including a skilled nursing facility, an ENT clinic, and a public school.  Her areas of teaching and clinical expertise are voice disorders, adult neurogenic communication disorders, school-age language disorders and multicultural issues in speech-language pathology.

Dr. Agyapong has taught undergraduate, post-baccalaureate and graduate students. Her research focuses on transgender voice and cultural diversity. She has published papers in peer-reviewed journals, and has presented locally and nationally.

Dr. Agyapong has been invited to give presentations on acoustic analysis of voice and to review voice disorders content with speech pathology graduate students preparing to take their praxis examination

Areas of Expertise and/or Research:

Voice disorders, adult neurogenic communication disorders, age-related decline in language abilities, multicultural issues and linguistic diversity

Education:

Ph.D., Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of North Dakota

Meagan Bennett is an Instructor of Nursing for the School of Health Sciences at Francis Marion University. She graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2010 (summa cum laude). She completed her Masters of Science in Nursing to become a family nurse practitioner at Francis Marion University in 2017. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society.

Meagan has worked as a family nurse practitioner since 2018 in Cheraw, South Carolina and Florence, South Carolina. Prior to becoming a family nurse practitioner, she worked in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. Meagan practices locally at HopeHealth as a family nurse practitioner one day a week.

Meagan currently teaches in both the undergraduate and masters nursing programs while working to complete her DNP.

Jeff Bolles joined Francis Marion University, in Fall 2024, as an Associate Professor of Public Health. Jeff received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education Theory (Exercise Physiology) from the State University of New York, College at Cortland, a Master of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science (Exercise Physiology) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Business Administration (Financial Services) from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, a Graduate Certificate in Finance from East Carolina University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Studies (Health Education and Administration) from Texas Woman’s University. Jeff’s research interests include Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS [Lou Gehrig’s disease, health behavior theory and application, epidemiology, and health advocacy.

Prior to his faculty appointment at Francis Marion, Jeff was the Assistant Director of the MBA Program and a lecturer in healthcare administration, business communication, and finance at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, a position he held for five years. Jeff has also been an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Healthcare Administration at The University of Mount Olive, from 2016 to 2019, Assistant Professor and Health Promotion Coordinator at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, from 2008 to 2016, and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, NCAA Compliance Officer, and Lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, from 2003 to 2008. Jeff is active in several professional healthcare administration and public health organizations, is a review editor for Frontiers in Public Health Education and Promotion, and has authored one book and several research articles, presented at many national and international conferences, delivered webinars, and has served on three advisory boards.

Originally from Western New York, Jeff transplanted in southeastern North Carolina in 2000 and currently lives in Lumberton, North Carolina with his wife, daughter, and son. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys running, cycling, reading, traveling, and attending/viewing sporting events, especially those that involve his beloved Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.

Rita is the administrative assistant for FMU’s Physician Assistant Studies Program. Rita graduated from Horry Georgetown Technical College with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Business. Rita received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from Coker College. She completed her Master’s degree in Human Resource Development and Management and Leadership from Webster University.

Prior to joining FMU, her professional experience consisted of over 20 years as the Director of Operations with Bell Burial Vault/Bell Burial and Concrete. Coordinating and supervisory experience with SC Department of Social Services, Division of Employment Services for the Healthcare Preparation for Employment grant. Career counseling experience with Workforce Development consisted of conducting comprehensive assessments to increase employment, retention, and improvement of self-sufficiency.

Rita specializes in tracking progress towards organizational and programmatic outcomes and deliverables. Generating progress reports that fully capture programmatic success to awarded grant projects. She has extensive experience in management, research, reporting, preparing, and maintaining expenditures and budgets.

She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Rhonda Brogdon is a tenured associate professor of nursing at Francis Marion University in Florence, SC. She is the Chair of the Department of Nursing. She has been a medical-surgical nurse for 30 years. She received her BSN degree from Clemson University, her MSN degree from the University of Phoenix, her MBA degree from Webster University, and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from Duquesne University. She received her certification in Online Instruction from Central Michigan University.

Rhonda began working in academia as a part-time clinical nursing instructor at the Medical University of South Carolina/Francis Marion University Satellite in 2001. During that time, she had instructed all levels of nursing students in the clinical setting. Her area of expertise is medical-surgical nursing with an emphasis in renal nursing. Rhonda had served as mentor and preceptor for over 16 years in bedside nursing and was consistently evaluated as a “role model” nurse. In academia, she has mentored and precepted faculty to their roles in course instruction. She had served as vice-president of the Francis Marion University Department of Nursing Honor Society, and a Phi Kappa Phi mentor for nursing students and a member of Sigma Theta Tau International. She was the recipient of the African-American Faculty and Staff Coalition Diversity Award from Francis Marion University in 2013.

Rhonda has contributed to the book entitled, Fast facts about developing a nursing academic portfolio: What to include in a nutshell and has presented on this topic at Drexel University Nursing Education Institute Conference. Rhonda is co-author of the book entitled Medical-surgical nursing test success: An unfolding case study review and has a reflection chapter in The new nurse educator: Mastering academia. She has served as an external abstract peer reviewer for the Annual Healthcare Informatics Symposium presented by the Center for Biomedical Informatics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Rhonda’s Doctorate of Nursing Practice Capstone entitled: “A Self-Care Educational Intervention to Improve Knowledge of Dietary Phosphorus Control in Patients Requiring Hemodialysis: A Pilot Study” was published in the Nephrology Nursing Journal.

Frances Burns is an associate professor of speech-language pathology and Chair of the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina.  Dr. Burns received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in Therapeutic Recreation.  She completed her master’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an emphasis in Early Intervention.  She earned her doctorate in Communication Disorders from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with an emphasis in child language acquisition, child language disorders, and psycholinguists.  She went on to complete a Research Fellowship at Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Burns is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist and has extensive experience practicing and teaching courses in communication sciences and disorders.  Child language acquisition and disorders, and Early Intervention are the primary focus for the courses she teaches.  She has authored manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, and she presents papers at conferences locally and nationally.

Dr. Burns has been invited to give workshops on distinguishing language difference from disorder, African American English, and Early Intervention both nationally and internationally for the last 13 years.

Areas of Expertise and/or Research:

Language acquisition and developmental language disorder, narrative development and pragmatics, multicultural issues and linguistic diversity, early intervention and routines-based intervention, autism spectrum disorder.

Education:

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Vanderbilt University

Ph.D., Communication Disorders, University of Massachusetts Amherst

M.S., Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

B.A., Therapeutic Recreation, University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Sidney Coker manages graduate student preceptor paperwork for all of the graduate programs. She also serves as the liaison between practicing partners and other clinical sites where graduate students can attend for their clinical hours. She authorizes and maintains the use of the Lee Nursing Building, as well as handles all of the LNB office tasks. Coker has been working at Francis Marion University since August of 2019. She officially joined the Nursing Department in March of 2020. Coker is also an alumnus of Francis Marion University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration. Since graduating from undergraduate studies, Coker pursued a Master of Science degree in Marketing: Digital Marketing and Advertising from Liberty University. She completed that degree in December of 2023. Coker has said how much she enjoys working for the university and how special it is being an alumnus of such an awesome school. It feels like a full circle moment going from being a student taught by the some of the same professors that she now works alongside.

Ashleigh Collins is a clinical supervisor with the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. Ms. Collins received her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Columbia College and completed her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of South Carolina.

Ms. Collins is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist. Prior to joining the faculty at Francis Marion University, she worked as a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist for nineteen years. Her clinical experience has involved providing direct therapy for children from birth to high school through early intervention services and school-based services and engaging and educating parents, childcare providers, and teachers to ensure children’s growth and success.

Ms. Collins provides direct supervision to graduate students as they complete community speech/language/hearing screenings and serve clients in the Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing. Her research interests include clinical education and the supervisory process in speech-language pathology, speech sound disorders, language and literacy, service delivery considerations and options in school-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration.

Education:

• M.S.P., University of South Carolina
• B.A., Columbia College

Roblin Fenters joined Francis Marion University in Summer 2023 and currently serves as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor of the Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program. Roblin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Charleston Southern University as well as Master and Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degrees from the Medical University of South Carolina. Roblin’s practice and research interests include spirituality as a client factor, neuro-rehabilitation, therapeutic-use-of-self, fieldwork education, work-life balance, and mental health.

Prior to her role at Francis Marion, Roblin worked in acute care at McLeod Regional Medical Center and in inpatient rehabilitation at MUSC Health Florence Rehabilitation Center (formerly Carolinas Rehabilitation Hospital) where she assisted in the development of Intensive Care Unit training guides for new clinicians and facilitated transfer-training courses for non-clinical staff. Roblin has also served as a lecturer and adjunct faculty member at Presbyterian College for courses within her specialty area offered to its inaugural cohort.

Roblin grew up and still lives in Pleasant Hill, SC with her toddler. Roblin enjoys fishing and going to church with her family.

Tracy George is an Associate Professor of Nursing, the Coordinator of the Bachelor of General Studies Program, and the J.L. Mason Endowed Chair for the School of Health Sciences at Francis Marion University. She graduated from Davidson College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She completed undergraduate nursing coursework and a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in 1999. During her time at Vanderbilt, she received the Luther Christman Award for Clinical Excellence. In 2014, she graduated from the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program at the Medical University of South Carolina. She became a certified nurse educator (CNE) in 2014. She was selected as an Amy V. Cockroft Leadership Fellow for 2016-2017. In 2018, she was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. She received the Research and Scholarship Award at Francis Marion University in 2019.

Tracy has worked as a family nurse practitioner since 1999 in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Tracy continues to work one day per week as a nurse practitioner. Since 2012, Tracy has taught undergraduate and graduate nursing courses at Francis Marion University.

Tracy has presented statewide and nationally on nursing and nursing education topics. She has written several peer-reviewed articles and chapters in textbooks.

Karen Gittings is a professor of nursing and Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Francis Marion University, Florence, South Carolina. Dr. Gittings received her diploma in nursing from The Washington Hospital School of Nursing, Washington, Pennsylvania and her BSN from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus. She earned her MSN with specialization in nursing education and her DNP at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was a 2015 to 2016 Amy V. Cockcroft Fellow, achieved certification in online instruction in 2011, became a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) in 2013 and earned certification as an Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl) with the inaugural group of test-takers. Dr. Gittings has extensive experience in critical care nursing and has been a certified critical-care RN (CCRN) since 1991.

Her areas of teaching and clinical expertise are medical–surgical nursing, critical care, and cardiac nursing. She has taught students across the curriculum in the BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. Dr. Gittings has co-authored three books and eight book chapters. Dr. Gittings has also presented nationally on multiple nursing education-related topics.

She is past president of Francis Marion University’s chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, Chi Lambda Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, and the Pee Dee Area Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. She is a recipient of multiple Outstanding Faculty Teaching Awards at Francis Marion University and the South Carolina Palmetto Gold Award (2005).

Ms. Grubbs Taught at Francis Marion University in the School of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing August 2005- May 2021, and is now Faculty Emeritus.

Ms. Grubbs received her education from the following institutions:

M.S.N. Community Mental Heath & Psychiatric Nursing- University of South Carolina

M.Ed Elementary Education, Francis Marion University

B.S.N. Nursing- University of South Carolina

In her role as the Coordinator of Nursing Student Services, Kelly supports pre-nursing students as they navigate the admission process for the upper division nursing program. Among her other duties, Kelly meets with perspective students to answer questions they may have about the nursing program. She also recruits for the BSN, RN to BSN, and graduate nursing programs by touring hospitals to speak with nursing staff, attending educational and professional development events at hospitals, speaking with technical college students at transfer events, and meeting with students from other university BSN programs about graduate opportunities at FMU.

Kelly graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and from Liberty University with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

Terri Hinson joined Francis Marion University in the Nursing Department as the Clinical Coordinator in August 2022. She then joined the new Occupational Therapy Department in January 2024 where she currently serves as Administrative Assistant. Terri is a proud Alumni of Francis Marion University earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1994.

Terri grew up and still lives in Society Hill, SC. She enjoys spending time with her family, attending sporting events, going to church and playing with her dogs.

Deborah is a professor and director at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. She has been a Family Nurse Practitioner for over 30 years. She attended Georgia Baptist School of Nursing. Her ADN degree is from West Georgia College (now known as West Georgia State University). Her BSN was from the Medical University of South Carolina through the satellite program at Francis Marion University. She obtained her MS/FNP and DNP for the University of South Carolina.

Deborah is the current chair for the South Carolina Advisory Committee for Nursing Education and has held leadership positions on the APRN Chapter for South Carolina and past President of the South Carolina Nurses Foundation. She has served as a preceptor, mentor and role model for Nurse Practitioner students and graduates. Deborah serves the University on Academic Affairs, and Graduate Council. Deborah is active on the Nursing Graduate Committee and the Dean’s Advisory Committee.

Deborah received the Outstanding Community Health Nurse of the Year Award from the Pee Dee Nurses Association, the Community Health Nurse of the Year from the South Carolina Nurses Association, and was awarded the AJN Excellence in Writing Award for South Carolina. Deborah won a scholarship to Beth Israel Hospital to study “Pain Management”. Her doctoral thesis “The Early Use of Insulin in Type II Diabetes: Achieving Better Glycemic Control and Preventing Adverse Complications” validates current practice for diabetic patients. Recently Deborah was awarded the Outstanding Policy award from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). She is a Fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Nursing.

Deborah served as a team member on a Medical Mission Trip to Nicaragua and continues her outreach to vulnerable and underserved people by working part-time at Hope Health (a Community Health Care Center) in Florence South Carolina. She serves on several boards like Fact Forward and the Felician Center to facilitate vulnerable population needs. Deborah is a wife, a Mother, and a grandmother and owned by a wonderful chocolate lab.

Marty Hucks is an Assistant Professor of Nursing and practices part-time as a family nurse practitioner at Internal Medicine Specialists. Marty received her BSN from The University of South Carolina Honors College (cum laude) and her MN from the University of South Carolina. She received a Certificate in Nursing Education from Francis Marion University in 2014. She became a certified nurse educator in 2016 and also holds certifications in parish nursing from St Louis University and in on-line instruction from Central Michigan University.  She is an Amy V Cockcroft Nursing Fellow (2004), Oxford University Round Table delegate (2007), and a 2008 recipient of The Palmetto Gold Award.

Marty has worked as a family nurse practitioner since 1994 and has taught undergraduate nursing since 2000.  She primarily teaches population-focused nursing and has developed a foreign study course, in which students have had the opportunity to study in Germany, England, Belize, Dominican Republic, Cambodia, and Thailand. She has presented at state, national, and international conferences on topics related to nursing education. She serves on the nursing curriculum committee, and is a member of the Chi Lambda Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.  She is active in the community, serving on the Boards of The Boys and Girls Club of the Pee Dee and Southeastern Medical International.

David has over 30 years’ experience as a practicing Physician Assistant in Family Medicine and Urgent Care. Dr. James has practiced in both rural and urban environments, providing medical care to the communities of North Carolina.

He worked as a faculty member and Academic Coordinator for Francis Marion University Physician Assistant Program from 2017-2019. He then served as the Director of Clinical Education at Elon University in Elon, NC from 2019-2023. David went back into clinical practice in Urgent Care Medicine in North Carolina from 2023-2024 while completing his Doctor of Medical Science Degree with a concentration in Healthcare Education.

Doctor of Medical Science, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Master of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Nebraska, Omaha Certificate of Physician Assistant Completion, PA Program Wake Forest School of Medicine, BA in Psychology, NC State University, and is a veteran of the US Navy and Army Reserve.

Dr. James is a member of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and a member of the South Carolina Association of Physician Assistants (SCAPA).

Benjamin runs the Sompong Kraikit Simulation Laboratory in FMU’s School of Health Sciences. He helps faculty develop simulation activities, sets up the equipment, and programs the manikins that serve as the students’ patients. He also has an active role in the school’s telehealth education efforts, maintaining the equipment and training faculty and students on its operation.

Outside the lab, Benjamin doubles as Campus Technology’s representative for FMU’s downtown buildings, which has made him familiar with a broad range of computer hardware and software as well as medical, networking, and professional audio and video equipment. If it has a cord or a power switch, he’s probably worked on it.

A recipient of FMU’s Outstanding Staff Service Award for Academic and Administrative Support Staff, Benjamin graduated from FMU with a BA in English and minors in mathematics and computer science. As a student he played bass guitar in the Music Industry Ensemble, and he continues to regularly attend their shows. Before assuming his current role he worked in the Nursing Department as their clinical coordinator.

Sarah Kershner joined Francis Marion University in Spring 2017 and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Public Health and Chair of the Healthcare Administration Department. Sarah received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from Clemson University, Master of Public Health degree from the University of South Carolina, and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Health Promotion, Education and Behavior from the University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health. Sarah’s interest areas include reproductive health/sexual health, research and evaluation, LGBTQ+ inclusivity in healthcare, contraceptive technologies, sexually transmitted infections, and adolescent risky behaviors.

Prior to her role at Francis Marion, Sarah worked at Fact Forward (formerly SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy) for over nine years where she managed a federal research study supporting the implementation of a reproductive health curricula in South Carolina middle schools aimed at reducing the teen birth rate statewide. Sarah has authored several peer-reviewed articles, presented dozens of presentations nationwide and has been involved on review teams and panels with Mathematica Policy Research, Cornell University and ETR Associates.

Sarah grew up in Florence and is happy to have returned to the Pee Dee area after living ten years in Columbia. Sarah resides in Olanta, SC with her husband, their eight-year-old son and four “furbabies.”

Biography

Dr. Rachelle Lydell joined Francis Marion University in September 2022 and currently serves as the Director and Assistant Professor of the Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program. Dr. Lydell is a licensed Occupational Therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience and expertise in the field including founding Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and founding program director for an Occupational Therapy Assistant Bachelor of Science Program. Her clinical specializations include assistive technology and environmental adaptations, and treating various populations of all ages, including pediatric and adult patients with neurological impairment, cognitive, physical, developmental disabilities, and autism.

Dr. Lydell actively presents at local, state and national conferences with ongoing participation in the field of Occupational Therapy’s scholarship efforts to advance in the areas of Discovery, Integration and Teaching and Learning. Dr. Lydell’s clinical and research interests include research and evaluation, applying outcomes based/performance-based measurement to OT practice in education for knowledge retention and translation, program development, increasing access to underserved populations, health promotion, prevention & wellness, the coaching interaction style, community based, emerging areas of practice and related themes.

Prior to her role at Francis Marion, she worked at McLeod Outpatient Rehabilitation, Carolinas Hospital (now known as MUSC), several elementary schools in the Pee Dee area and has also worked in private practice. Additionally, she has worked as a behavior therapist, case manager, certified personal trainer, fitness instructor, and wellness & lifestyle coach. Her unique and varied clinical experiences have allowed her the opportunity to work with diverse and underserved populations of all ages through private practice, acute care, inpatient, outpatient, early intervention, community based, public/population health and school-based settings.

Dr. Lydell is happy to call Florence her home once again after returning to the Pee Dee area after 7 years of living and practicing in various states across America. Dr. Lydell resides in Florence with her husband, her 8-year-old son and 6 year old daughter.

Ms. Marilyn McClam-Mack, Assistant Professor, is the Coordinator of Clinical Education for the Master for the Department of Speech-Language Pathology Program in the School of Health Sciences at Francis Marion University. She is a certified Speech Language Pathologist with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association who received her MA in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and her BA in Professional English from South Carolina State University.

Marilyn has worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist for the last 24 years. She comes to FMU with previous experience in long-term care, hospitals, home health, private practice, public schools as an in person and tele practice SLP. She has extensive experience in long-term care and has served as a Director of Rehabilitation. In these positions she has worked with clients across the lifespan remediating receptive and expressive language, cognitive linguistic impairments speech sounds disorders, fluency disorders and disorders swallowing.

As Assistant Professor and the Coordinator of Clinical Education, Marilyn facilitates the student’s clinical placement process; provides student mentoring, supervision of clinical experiences, and course instruction in Clinical Practice.

Dr. Kellie LaVaun Middleton is a Registered Nurse who has served the public health population since 2013. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees from Francis Marion University, Florence, SC (2013, 2017), and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC (2020). She also holds a Certification in Simulation through Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA (2018).

Over the years, she has served as a part-time clinical instructor for Francis Marion University, Department of Nursing’s BSN program, a Graduate Mentor for Francis Marion University pre-nursing freshman students, and PRN services to a local hemodialysis clinic. She also works part-time for HopeHealth with Behavioral Health patients. Dr. Middleton is an Assistant Professor of Nursing and the Coordinator of Dr. Frank Lee Nursing Building Skills Laboratory with Francis Marion University’s School of Health Science. She teaches in graduate and undergraduate-level courses, develops simulation modules for graduate and undergraduate interprofessional students, and participates in collaborative initiatives and research that involve students, community partners, healthcare professionals, and faculty. In addition to her public health and nurse educator duties, Dr. Middleton also provides respite care for families of children with special needs and/or disabilities. She also volunteers at the Dillion Free Clinic, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Emergency Department, and COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics throughout the Pee Dee Region.

Dr. Middleton has presented at local, state, regional, and national conferences, as well as actively participates in several scholarly research projects. Dr. Middleton was the recipient of the Myrtle Irene Brown Fellowship Scholarship by the University of South Carolina’s College of Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program for academic excellence (2018, 2019), the SC Council of Deans & Directors of Nursing Education Scholarship (2019), the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship (2018, 2019), the South Carolina Nurses Foundation (SCNF) Nurses Care Scholarship (2019), and the Anna Gallagher American Nurses Foundation Scholarship (2019). Dr. Middleton is also published in the Journal of Nursing Education.

Dr. Middleton serves on several university, department, and community committees, advisory boards, and health panels. Within the Department of Nursing, she is the co-advisor for The Student Nurses Association. In the profession of Nursing, Dr. Middleton is the former President of the Chi Lambda Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, and currently serves as the Membership Ambassador. The South Carolina League for Nursing (SCLN), The Association of Community Health Nursing Educators (ACHNE), The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ (WOCN®), The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), and The SC Nursing Education Simulation Alliance (SCNESA) are also among her professional memberships.

Whitney Moore is the administrative assistant for the Department of Speech-Language Pathology at Francis Marion University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Francis Marion University.

Dr. Allison Munn began teaching the undergraduate Nursing Pediatrics course at Francis Marion University in 2015 as an Adjunct Instructor of Nursing. In January 2017, she joined the faculty in a full-time capacity as an Assistant Professor of Nursing and is currently an associate Professor. Dr. Munn received her BSN from Clemson University in 2001, and upon graduation began her nursing career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at McLeod Regional Medical Center. After working in the clinical field of Pediatrics for 11 years, Dr. Munn left the bedside to pursue a career in academia. In November 2016, she received her PhD in Nursing Science from the Medical University of South Carolina with a focus on vulnerable populations. Dr. Munn’s research interests include breastfeeding and Baby-Friendly practices. She is published in an international peer-reviewed journal about the impact in the United States of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative on breastfeeding and early infant health outcomes. Dr. Munn has also presented nationally the results of a mixed-methods study on factors influencing African American mothers’ adoption of Baby-Friendly practices and associated breastfeeding decisions. Dr. Munn is a native of the Pee Dee Region and has a passion for serving the healthcare needs of the area and for educating future nursing leaders of the community.

Dr. Michele L. Norman, Associate Professor, is the Graduate Studies Coordinator for the Master of Speech-Language Pathology Program in the School of Health Sciences at Francis Marion University. She is a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association who received her PhD from The University of Memphis, MS from the University of the District of Columbia, and BA from Rutgers University–Douglass College. 

Dr. Norman has been a speech-language pathologist for over 30 years in a variety of settings. Clinically, she has served populations from birth to senescence providing services to children and adults with neurologically-based disorders that impact speech, language, communication, and swallowing. During her career, she was the Coordinator of the Intensive Review for Praxis Examination for Speech-Language Pathology for the National Black Association for Speech-Language and Hearing for 18 years and a special education teacher in the public-school setting for nearly 10 years serving children with learning disabilities and severe communication deficits. Later, Dr. Norman became research faculty in Communication Sciences and Disorders at Medical University of South Carolina, where she was also the Director of the Communication and Aging Research Lab. Then, she was a tenured, Associate Professor at Longwood University and the Communication Sciences and Disorders Undergraduate Program Coordinator. 

She is a published author who has written articles on various topics and textbook chapters on the evaluation and treatment of persons with dementia and Reminiscence Therapy.

Areas of Expertise and/or Research:

Neurogenics, orofacial myology, and medical speech-language pathology and their relationships to communication and swallowing disorders across diverse cultures

Tiffany Phillips is an Associate Professor of Nursing. She practices part-time as a family nurse practitioner with McLeod Occupational Health in Florence, South Carolina. Tiffany received her BSN from The Medical University of South Carolina (summa cum laude) in 2004. She worked as an emergency department nurse for 7.5 years before completing her MSN/DNP in 2012, also from The Medical University of South Carolina. She has worked full-time for McLeod Inpatient Services since becoming a nurse practitioner. Tiffany teaches in both the graduate and undergraduate nursing programs. She looks forward to positively contributing to nursing education at Francis Marion University.

Tiffany R. Pressley received her DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice at the University of South Alabama in July 2017. She currently practices as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and is a university faculty member. She evaluates and treats psychiatric patients at three different tribal medicine clinics via telemedicine.

Dr. Pressley began as a full-time assistant professor and PMHNP program coordinator at Francis Marion University (FMU) in August 2020. She teaches graduate and undergraduate students didactic and clinical skills in psychiatric mental health nursing as well as other courses in FMU's School of Health Sciences.

Professionally, Dr. Pressley has worked as a high school Spanish teacher, medical-surgical registered nurse, clinical staff leader, USAF officer, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She is a United States Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program graduate and previously served on Active Duty at Scott AFB as a PMHNP. When accepting the full-time PMHNP program coordinator position at FMU in 2020, she transitioned to the United States Air Force Reserves. She is currently a traditional reservist attached to and Aeromedical Staging Squadron at Robins AFB, GA.

She currently holds APRN licenses in Georgia, Maine, Minnesota, and South Carolina and RN licenses in Minnesota and South Carolina. She is a researcher in community-based and military research settings in a variety of areas including behavioral parent training, telepsychiatry, simulation in nursing education, and substance use disorders.

Dr. Pressley is a proud mom of three and wife of one. She enjoys time with family, listening to music, playing board/card games, and traveling. She is committed to improving access to education and mental health for rural and underserved populations within her community and the communities she serves.

Dr. Russell is an associate professor and coordinator of the RN to BSN track in the Francis Marion University Department of Nursing.  She began her nursing career in the cardiac step-down unit at McLeod Regional Medical Center in 2000. 

Dr. Russell received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina in 2009, and a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in nursing education from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2011.  After completing her graduate degree, Dr. Russell worked as a nursing instructor and simulation coordinator for Florence-Darlington Technical College for more than two years.  In 2014, Dr. Russell graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina with a second Master of Science in Nursing as a family nurse practitioner.  She completed her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2016. 

As an advocate for nursing excellence, Dr. Russell is passionate about preparing future nurses to provide quality patient care.

Gabrielle Scott received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2008) and her Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis on Nursing Education (2018) from Francis Marion University. In 2023, Scott received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice with a focus in Executive Healthcare Leadership from the University of South Carolina.

Scott has been a Registered Nurse since 2008 and her areas of expertise include Medical-Surgical, Special Procedures, and Nephrology. In 2018, Scott decided to transition into academia working part-time as a clinical instructor for Francis Marion University. Since then, she has experience teaching in an undergraduate BSN program, online RN-BSN program, and Practical Nursing program.

Scott is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International and feels she can best serve by teaching and mentoring students to care for patients holistically. She is proud to join the faculty at Francis Marion University and give back to the campus and community that started her career.

Christina Springs received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2016) and her Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis on Nursing Education (2023) from Francis Marion University. She will be pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) in the Fall of 2025.

Springs has been a Registered Nurse since 2016 and her areas of expertise include medical-surgical and cardiovascular surgery. In 2021, Springs decided to transition into academia working part-time as a clinical instructor for Francis Marion University. Now teaching in the undergraduate BSN program.

Springs is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International and feels she can best serve by teaching and mentoring students to care for patients holistically. She is proud to be a member of the faculty at Francis Marion University and give back to the campus and community that started her career.

Rebekah Wada is an assistant professor of speech-language pathology at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina. Dr. Wada earned her bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education from Utah State University. She completed her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Utah State University. She received her doctorate in Disability Disciplines with an emphasis in speech-language pathology and implementation science from Utah State University.

Dr. Wada is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist with experience practicing in sub-acute rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. She teaches courses related to anatomy and physiology, phonetics, speech sound disorders, and autism spectrum disorders.

Dr. Wada has authored one book chapter and multiple manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and she presents at national conferences. Her research focuses on the comprehension and production of complex syntax by school-age children with language disorders. She also examines the effective implementation of evidence-based practices within the field of speech-language pathology.

Megan Wayne received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clemson University in December of 2013 and became a Registered Nurse in 2014. She began her career as a bedside nurse in medical-surgical and critical care settings before realizing her true passion was educating patients, new nurses, and the students that rotated through her hospital unit. This led Wayne to transition to a primary care role while pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing Education which she received from Benedictine University in 2018.

Wayne began her academic career as a part-time clinical adjunct for Francis Marion University before transitioning to a full-time faculty roll in 2018. Since then, she has taught across various programs in the School of Health Sciences including the undergraduate BSN program, RN-BSN program, Healthcare Administration program, and the MSN Nurse Educator track. She is currently completing her dissertation research on mental fatigue and self-care engagement in family caregivers through the Medical University of South Carolina with plans to complete her PhD this academic year.

Dr. Dorie Weaver is a full-time Associate Professor of Nursing at Francis Marion University (FMU). Dorie is originally from northeast Pennsylvania and has recently joined the FMU faculty in August, 2015. Dorie received her BSN from Allentown College in 1996. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2000 from DeSales University located in Center Valley, Pa. She has also earned a post-master’s certificate in nursing education from Villanova University in 2004. In December of 2017, Dorie completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pa. Her area of focus is incorporating interprofessional education through the use of simulation to enhance collaboration and promote positive patient outcomes. Dr. Weaver obtained a post-master’s certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Frontier Nursing University in December 2021. She actively practices as a PMHNP in North Myrtle Beach providing in-person and telehealth medication management. She also continues to practice as a FNP in Florence. In 2023, she was senior author of three chapters and senior consultant for numerous chapters for an open-resource Pharmacology textbook designed for undergraduate nursing students.

Her nursing experience consists of working within the following specialties: Medical-Surgical, Emergency Department, Neuro/Trauma ICU and Pediatrics in long-term care. Dorie has worked mainly in the field of cardiology as a nurse practitioner. Dr. Weaver has been teaching since 2000 and has taught at varied levels (diploma, associates, baccalaureate, and graduate). She had also taught Kaplan Test Prep NCLEX-RN review courses throughout Pennsylvania for 8 years. Dr. Weaver had the opportunity to take a group of students to Mexico on a week-long service learning trip as part of her educational experience.

Dr. Weaver is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau. She is a co-advisor for the Student Nurse Association. She is a member of the Curriculum Committee, as well as, Admission, Progressions and Graduation Committee. She has completed a certification in online instruction at FMU in 2016. Dr. Weaver teaches across the curriculum in pre-licensure courses such as Adult Health, Pharmacology, and Nutrition; Health Assessment/Pathophysiology for RN-BSN online students and Advanced Pathophysiology for graduate students. In addition, she provides clinical oversight for several nurse practitioner courses. She has recently edited a chapter on simulation in a CNE review book.