Fayetteville State University School of Nursing Appoints Interim Associate Dean and Graduate Program Director
Fayetteville, NC (September 7, 2023) – Fayetteville State University School of Nursing is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Johnson-Edwards as the Interim Associate Dean and Dr. Aprel Ventura as the Graduate Program Director, effective August 1.
Dr. Johnson-Edwards, with over 29 years of experience as a registered nurse and 20 years as a nurse academician, has a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, a Post-master’s Certificate in Women's Health Nurse Practitioner from UNC Chapel Hill, a Master's degree in Community Health Nursing (Direct Care Role) from East Carolina University, and a Bachelor's Degree from Barton College. Her academic experience includes teaching across the curriculum in both undergraduate and graduate education as well as various leadership/administrative roles. Her clinical practice experience prior to academia is in public health, specifically in the care of women and children. Dr. Johnson-Edwards’s research interests include refugee health issues across the lifespan, the study of attitudes/perceptions towards refugees, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Dr. Ventura brings a wealth of clinical and nursing education experience to her new role. Her research interests include community health, palliative care, cardiovascular disease, and communication. Dr. Ventura holds a PhD from East Carolina University, an MSN from Duke University, and a BSN from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
"I am thrilled to have Dr. Johnson-Edwards and Dr. Ventura in these important leadership roles," said Dr. Afua Arhin, Dean of Lloyd College of Health, Science, and Technology. "Their expertise and dedication to education will be invaluable as we continue to prepare the next generation of educators and leaders in the nursing field."
The Fayetteville State University School of Nursing is confident that Dr. Johnson-Edwards and Dr. Ventura will provide strong leadership and guidance to the School of Nursing during this transitional period.