Faculty - Nursing

Valerie received her BSN in 1989 from Troy State University, AL, and a MSN in Nursing Education in 2009 from Saint Joseph's College of Maine. The focus of her graduate studies was simulation teaching strategies in the nursing curriculum, and currently involved with integrating and utilizing technologies to foster student learning including simulation, Academic EHR, and hybrid-online distance education. Currently she is pursing her DNP-Organizational Leadership from University Kansas with capstone focus of implementing the Academic Electronic Health Record in nursing education. Valerie is a native of Maine, with over 20 years of experience in ER, Surgical/Trauma ICU, Cardiac/Open Heart ICU, and Radiology nursing. In 2006 Val joined Husson University as an Assistant Professor, and the Nursing Learning Resource Center and SimLab Coordinator for the Department of Nursing. In 2009 Val accepted the coordinator position for the Graduate Nurse Educator track in the School of Nursing, preparing nurses for today’s educator role. She is actively involved with state and national organizations to facilitate the development of simulation and informatics with area educational and community partners. Val has developed faculty simulation workshops, presented at state and national conferences, and continues to support new innovations to improve the educational process.

After moving back to Maine in 1999 with my husband Jim and two boys, I was able to pursue my graduate studies in nursing education. Teaching has been a life-long dream, guiding development and understanding for our future nurses. To broaden my abilities in leadership I am currently pursuing my DNP-OL degree at the University of Kansas through distance education. When I joined Husson in 2006 as permanent staff, we purchased a high-fidelity mannequin. Through my position as Nursing Learning Resource Director, I have been able to work with our nursing faculty to integrate simulation throughout our curriculum. Today Husson's simulation program is now considered a leader within the state and beyond. I am currently expanding simulation into other interprofessional educational opportunities. My passion for innovation and technology is blended with my teaching role in the graduate program, expanding into new innovative opportunities for learning through hybrid and online education. When not busy with nursing education, I enjoy the wonderful opportunities Maine has to offer, such as downhill skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, gardening, and reading.