Colette Townsend-Chambers, DNP, MSN, RN, CHSE
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Degrees: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Post-Master's Certificate Nursing Education, Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator
UNC Charlotte Highlights/Favorite Memory: Representing nursing in the 3 Minute Thesis Competition and various poster presentations as a student. I also enjoyed the graduate department workshops and Doctor of Nursing Practice networking lunches with new students are other memories that I cherish.
Awards: Elinor Caddell Faculty Scholar Award, The Academy for Clinical Education and Scholarship (ACES) Faculty Award, CHHS Faculty Excellence in Promoting Diversity and Appreciating Differences Award, Doctor of Nursing Practice Excellence in Serving Profession Award.
Campus Connections: In 2013, I started as a graduate assistant in the Learning Resource Center supporting lab skills faculty. After being hired as the LRC Director, I continued to promote simulation and have since implemented simulation scenarios that promote healthcare equity regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion. Throughout my tenure, I have taught in the RN-BSN and undergraduate programs while continuing to manage the labs. Additionally, I enjoy my connections to other CHHS faculty and the College of Computing and Informatics on artificial intelligence in nursing research.
Professor who made a difference: It is hard to narrow it down to just one as the entire School of Nursing is so supportive, but the gold star has to go to my committee chair, Dr. Kelly Powers! Dr. Powers is a scholar and clinical expert who is also personable, while helping students reach their full potential.
Favorite professional experiences connected to degree: Collaborating with Dr. Patrick Robinson of the Academy for Population Health Innovation (APHI) and the Mecklenburg County Health Department to implement my evidence-based project, “Improving Public Health Clinicians’ Beliefs and Behaviors with LGBT Individuals” was an indescribable experience. I am a public health community nurse at heart, so I really enjoyed being out in the clinics interacting with providers. Considering the project results showed a marked improvement in affirming behaviors, it was a win-win all around!
Post-graduation plans: Ideally, promotion to a Clinical Assistant Professorship with research interests in diversity, social justice in healthcare, artificial intelligence, and simulation.
Quote about UNC Charlotte experience: “Carpe Diem” because UNC Charlotte is here for you!