Board of Commissioners

Dr. Rita Armstrong, EdD, DNP, MSN Ed, RN, FAADN, is a dual doctorally prepared nursing education leader with extensive experience in accreditation, regulatory compliance, and academic program leadership. She currently serves as Dean of Nursing for the RN ADN and Practical Nursing programs at Bryant & Stratton College in Virginia, where she provides strategic leadership for program innovation, accreditation readiness, faculty development, and student success initiatives.Dr. Armstrong has led multiple nursing programs through successful accreditation and regulatory processes, including securing full approval from the Virginia Board of Nursing, maintaining Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) candidacy, and meeting all five ACEN standards during a Fall 2024 site visit. Under her leadership, RN NCLEX pass rates improved to sustained 100% outcomes, and she successfully launched a Practical Nursing program with 100% licensure pass rates across initial cohorts. Her leadership has resulted in measurable improvements in student retention, enrollment growth, and program quality.At the national level, Dr. Armstrong has served as an ACEN Peer Evaluator since 2023, participating in multiple accreditation site visits and earning selection to serve as Team Chair, reflecting recognition of her expertise in accreditation and continuous quality improvement. She is also an invited curriculum writer and reviewer for CNA I and II programs with the Virginia Department of Education and a contributor to the 2026–2027 Saunders Clinical Judgment and Test-Taking Strategies textbook.Dr. Armstrong holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Transformational Leadership and Change from St. Edward’s University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Education from Chatham University. Her scholarly and professional interests include accreditation excellence, NCLEX success strategies, faculty mentorship, student retention, and advancing quality and integrity in nursing education.

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Dr. Tracy Arnold, DNP, RN, CNE currently serves as a Professor and Director of the Hunt School of Nursing at Gardner-Webb University, in which she provides leadership for four levels of nursing education – associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate. With over 21 years of experience in the nursing profession, Dr. Arnold has held various clinical and academic leadership roles, including serving as a Nurse Manager, BSN Licensure and Program Coordinator, Chair of Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs, and Associate Director of the Hunt School of Nursing.

Dr. Arnold holds four degrees in nursing, including a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in Nursing Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and an Associate of Science in Nursing. She currently serves as Chair of the Promotion and Tenure Committee at the University. She is a member of the North Carolina Nurses Association, in which she previously served as a DNP Council member, the North Carolina Council of Higher Education in Nursing, and Sigma Theta Tau. She has served as a Master Reviewer for Quality Matters for Higher Education since 2016 and as a Peer Reviewer since 2014. She completed the National League for Nursing LEAD program in 2018. In July 2023, Dr. Arnold received the 2022 Journal of Holistic Nursing Writing Award for Practice for her collaborative work on human trafficking with her DNP Project Student.

In her current role as Director, Dr. Arnold provides significant support to all programs related to meeting accreditation standards with both ACEN and the North Carolina Board of Nursing. She has served as a resource for other Program Directors in the surrounding community seeking accreditation. In addition, she has been an ACEN Peer Evaluator since 2014 and a Team Chair and Evaluation Review Panel member since 2018. Dr. Arnold enjoys collaborating with nursing colleagues through the accreditation process as we all advocate to support the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public.

Dr. Jenny Fields, DNP, RN, has more than 25 years of experience in nursing, nursing education, and academic leadership, with a career focused on associate degree nursing and community college–based health professions education. She currently serves as Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Tulsa Community College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she provides strategic and operational oversight for nursing and allied health programs serving more than 1,300 students annually.Dr. Fields has been actively involved with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) since 2020 and currently serves as a Peer Evaluator, Site Visit Team Chair, and Evaluation Review Panel (ERP) member. Through this work, she has participated in accreditation reviews across a range of nursing program types and institutional contexts, supporting consistent application of standards, outcomes assessment, and continuous quality improvement. In her institutional leadership roles, she has led multiple successful accreditation cycles and provides executive oversight of multiple accredited healthcare programs, coordinating compliance across institutional, programmatic, and clinical partners.Her academic preparation includes a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Samford University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, along with Associate degrees in nursing and pre-nursing. She has held progressive leadership roles including Dean of Nursing, faculty department chair, program coordinator, and assistant professor, with responsibility for accreditation, budgeting, faculty development, and workforce-aligned program expansion. As a community college graduate, Dr. Fields brings a practitioner-informed perspective on access, affordability, and workforce-focused nursing education.Dr. Fields’ leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and accountability in nursing education. She is committed to advancing the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing’s (ACEN’s) mission and supporting high-quality, accessible nursing programs nationwide. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys traveling, especially to the beach, and spending time with her husband and their two sons.

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Emily Fink has been in nursing education for 22 years. She is the Director of Nursing Education Programs at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in North Carolina. Dr. Fink has worked with the ACEN – Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing – as a site visitor and team chair since 2019.

Dr. Fink believes that quality nursing education is necessary to graduate students who can provide safe and effective patient care and who can emulate clinical judgment skills in the clinical setting.

Emily Fink enjoys spending time with her husband antiquing. She also has a 19-year-old son, Benjamin, who is a freshman at UNCC majoring in history.

Dr. Amy Hall, PhD, RN, CNE is a Professor of Nursing and the Dean of the School of Nursing at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She currently leads faculty, students, and staff in the BSN, RN to BSN, MSN-FNP, and DNP Nurse Anesthesia programs.

Dr. Hall earned her BSN and PhD in nursing from Saint Louis University and her MS in nursing from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Dr. Hall has expertise in curriculum design, program evaluation, and nursing leadership. She has developed and taught study abroad courses in a variety of countries including England, China, Portugal, and the Dominican Republic. Dr. Hall also consults with other nursing programs in designing and implementing curricular change and designing effective program assessment and evaluation plans.

Dr. Hall has been an ACEN site visitor since Fall 2008 and became a team chair in Fall 2011. She served as an Evaluation Review Panel Member (ERP) from January 2012-July 2015 and was a member of the Board of Commissioners from 2015-2021. During her term on the Board of Commissioners, Dr. Hall chaired the 2017 ACEN Standards and Criteria Revision Subcommittee for baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral nursing education programs. She participated on the 2023 ACEN Standards and Criteria Review Steering Committee, with a special focus on Curriculum and Outcomes. She also serves as a visitor for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Additionally, Dr. Hall is a member of several professional associations including Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, the National League for Nursing, the American Nurses Association, the Louisiana State Nurses Association, and the Baton Rouge District Nurses Association. Dr. Hall is also the secretary for the Louisiana Council of Administrators of Nursing Education (LACANE). A certified disaster nurse, Dr. Hall has provided professional presentations nationally on a variety of topics such as evidence-based teaching and learning strategies, designing and evaluating a concept-based curriculum, and leading faculty through change. When she is not spreading her passion for nursing and nursing education with others, Dr. Hall co-authors Fundamentals of Nursing, and enjoys cooking, baking, pacing races, and running marathons.

Brittney Humphres, MSN, RN, became a Registered Nurse in 2001 after obtaining her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Northeast Mississippi Community College. She furthered her education by obtaining a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Nursing, with an emphasis in nursing education, from the University of North Alabama. Her clinical expertise includes working in post-surgical cardiovascular step-down, intensive care, progressive care, and outpatient surgery settings.

Her career in nursing education began at Northwest Shoals Community College (NWSCC) in 2008 as a nursing training and recruiting coordinator/lab instructor. While in this position, she integrated high-fidelity simulation in all courses in the nursing curriculum. From 2009 to 2016, she served as a nursing instructor for practical and associate degree nursing students. Her specialties included medical-surgical, critical care, and health assessment. In 2016, she assumed the role of Director of Nursing Education, becoming the nurse administrator of the practical and associate nursing programs which span over two campuses. Additionally, in 2020, she was appointed the Executive Director of the Phil Campbell Campus and Nursing Education. As such, along with serving as the nurse administrator for NWSCC’s nursing programs on both campuses, she is responsible for the supervision and direction of day-to-day operations of NWSCC’s Phil Campbell Campus, in rural Northwest Alabama. She is an active participant in several NWSCC committees, including the President’s Executive Cabinet, the Student Services Council, the Cultural Affairs Committee, the Safety and Security Committee, and the Scholarship Committee. She was awarded the Alabama Community College System’s (ACCS) Award of Excellence as NWSCC Faculty of the Year in 2012 and the ACCS’s Award of Excellence as NWSCC Administrator of the Year in 2023.

During her time as nurse administrator, her team successfully navigated the following: a curricular change from a medical model to a concept-based model in the fall of 2016, an ACEN focused visit for curricular change in the spring of 2017, the initial ACEN accreditation for the practical nursing program in 2020, the many opportunities for growth and development in the pandemic and post-pandemic era, continuing accreditation of the associate and practical nursing programs in 2023, transitioning to the Next-Generation NCLEX, and the implementation of a hybrid practical and associate nursing program option. Additionally, she recently assisted the Dean of Workforce Development, Institutional Effectiveness, and Advancement in coordinating the physical reunification of the five Health Science Programs on NWSCC’s Shoals Campus and in identifying the location and assisting in procuring a grant for a Multidisciplinary Health Studies Simulation Center on the Shoals Campus. Currently, she is assisting in the leadership of a multi-million-dollar renovation of the Phil Campbell Campus, which includes state-of-the art nursing classrooms, skills laboratories, and simulation laboratories.

She is actively involved in the ACCS’s Nursing Deans and Directors group, which provides input and guidance in system-wide curricular and policy development for practical and associate degree programs. The networking among ACCS Nursing Deans and Directors group also provides mentoring for newer nurse administrators and a route of advocacy for nursing students and nursing education in the State of Alabama.

She has been happily volunteering with the ACEN since 2016 as a site visitor. In 2020, she began serving as team chair and as a member of the ERP. It brings her great joy to alleviate the stress that comes with having a site visit by exhibiting kindness and collegiality while assessing compliance with the ACEN Standards and Criteria.

When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 22 years, their two young daughters, her extended family, and church family.

Dr. Monica Kidder, DNP, MEDSURG-BC, NPD-BC, CNE has 26 years of nursing experience, including 13 years in nursing education. She is the Curriculum Coordinator at Covenant School of Nursing and is responsible for the oversight of the RN program and LVN-RN Track. She also serves as director of the Certified Patient Care Technician course for those beginning their journey to becoming a nurse. Prior to her role as Curriculum Coordinator, Dr. Kidder served as the Student Retention Coordinator, and fundamentals and pathophysiology instructor.

Dr. Kidder earned her DNP with an emphasis in educational leadership from American Sentinel University in 2016, her MSN with an emphasis in leadership and healthcare organizational management from Regis University in 2005, and her BSN and BGS (Liberal Arts) from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1996 and 1995, respectively.

Acknowledging the importance of student retention, Dr. Kidder spends much of her time researching the connections between student and institutional support and resources to predict and promote student retention. Once admitted into nursing school, she, like many, recognizes the importance of graduation and the successful achievement on the NCLEX. Passionate about helping students think critically, she is both a scholar and faculty educator for the Next Generation NCLEX.

Dr. Kidder has served as an ACEN peer evaluator since 2017. She loves the opportunity to review other programs through the collaborative and supportive process. During her free time, she can be found in an RV with her family or standing on the banks of a lake, casting in a line hoping for that next big catch.

Dr. Karla Ross, DNP, RN, CNEcl is a nursing professional with over two decades of experience in clinical practice, education, and leadership. She has worked in nursing education since 2010, and in 2018, was appointed Director of Associate Degree Nursing Program at Blinn College in Bryan, Texas. In her role at Blinn College, Dr. Ross has been instrumental in creating new program pathways, such as the Paramedic-to-RN option, and forming partnerships with universities to establish dual-enrollment opportunities, enabling students to seamlessly advance their education. Alongside her teaching and leadership roles, she serves as a PRN staff nurse specializing in oncology.

Since 2018, Dr. Ross has been a Peer Evaluator for the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). She has also served as a Team Chair since 2019 and is a member of the Evaluation Review Panel. She values the accreditation process as vital for strengthening nursing programs and ensuring high education standards. For Dr. Ross, the most rewarding part of her role as a Peer Evaluator is witnessing how the accreditation process enhances the quality of nursing education.

Dr. Ross holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Educational Leadership from American Sentinel University, a Master of Science in Nursing in Clinical Research Management from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas A&M International University. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Ross believes in a professional commitment to nursing and advances nursing at all levels. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Organization of Associate Degree Nursing and is involved at the state and national levels with the Organization of Associate Degree Nursing, Texas Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, National League for Nursing, Texas Association of Deans and Directors for Professional Nursing Programs, and Texas Community College Teachers Association. She also represents Texas Associate Degree Nursing for the Nursing Legislative Agenda Coalition.

In addition to her professional work, Dr. Ross actively volunteers within her community as a camp nurse and teacher at her church. She also participates in charitable activities alongside her daughter through a local charity league. Dr. Ross loves being a wife and mother to three school-age children, and the family enjoys being involved in extracurricular activities, traveling, and attending sporting events.

Dr. Hannah Williams, DNP, RN, CNE, believes that nursing education is the foundation of a resilient healthcare system. With a career spanning from her own roots as an Associate Degree Nursing student to her current role as a doctoral-level Dean, she is driven by a passion for creating accessible, high-quality pathways for the next generation of nurses. Her philosophy is simple: “To elevate the profession, we must first empower the student and support the educator.” She brings this student-centered advocacy to every committee and classroom she leads.As the Dean of Nursing at Aiken Technical College, Dr. Williams provides strategic oversight for ADN, LPN, and PCT programs. She is recognized for her ability to bridge the gap between academic rigor and clinical necessity, evidenced by her successful implementation of regional nurse externship partnerships and flexible evening program pathways.Dr. Williams is a seasoned expert in the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accreditation process, currently serving as a Peer Evaluator and a member of the Evaluation Review Panel. This "insider" knowledge of quality standards allows her to identify and cultivate the leadership traits necessary for ACEN’s continued excellence. Her governance experience is extensive:State Leadership: Member, SC Advisory Committee on Nursing Education and SC Deans and Directors of Education in Nursing.National Service: Member Engagement Committee for the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN); Active Member, National League for Nursing (NLN).Institutional Impact: Former President of the Aiken Technical College Faculty Assembly.Educational FoundationDoctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP)Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN)Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership"As a member of the Board of Commissioners, I will leverage my diverse experience—from the bedside to the Dean’s office—to ensure ACEN is led by visionary individuals who are committed to the integrity of our profession and the success of our students. I would be honored to earn your vote."

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B. Kent Wilson, MSN RN CNE, has 33 years of professional nursing experience in a variety of healthcare settings (primarily critical care and administration) and academia (practical nursing, associate degree, and baccalaureate level). Throughout his career, he has presented at local, state and national conferences, most recently as a Plenary Session speaker at the 2023 Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing Annual Conference titled, “Intentional Recruitment and Retention: Cultivating the Best Environment to Work and Learn.” He is a National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award recipient, and Chancellor’s Leadership Fellow for the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia (CTCSWV).

Mr. Wilson has held the position of Dean and Nurse Administrator for the School of Nursing and Emergency Medical Services at BridgeValley Community and Technical College, located in South Charleston, West Virginia, since 2010 and implemented the state’s first and only Paramedic-to-RN Advanced Placement Option leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing. In addition, he’s created and implemented a 16-Month Accelerated Program Option, VoTech-RN Option, and an innovative High School-RN Program Option. Kent was a founding member of the West Virginia Consortium of Associate Degree Nursing Programs (WVCOADN) and helped design the state’s concept-based curriculum for its five member schools.

He has been a domestic and international Initial and Continuing Accreditation Site Visitor (since 2015), Team Chair (since 2017), and Evaluation Review Panel (ERP) member (since 2016) for the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). In addition, Kent has done both focused and verification visits. He is also the current Association of Deans and Directors of Nursing Education (ADDNE) / Nursing Education Foundation of West Virginia (NEFWV) President and President of the West Virginia Organization of Associate Degree Nursing (WVOADN).

He has served on several practical, associate, and baccalaureate degree advisory committees and has written two multi-million-dollar grants, and other grants, which has been used to fund a new nursing simulation wing at his college, for use to send faculty to local, state, and national conferences for continuing professional development, and to implement retention programs for students which has improved program completion.

In his spare time, Kent likes to travel domestically and internationally, watch tennis, attend college football and basketball games, is active in church, loves to landscape, swim, and camp with his with family and two very-spoiled, but deserving, Goldendoodles- Rusty and Gunner. In addition, he is an avid Boston Red Sox fan, West Virginia University football, basketball, and baseball fan, and is on a national search for the best local ice cream.

Dr. Kathleen Zajic EdD, RN has accumulated extensive experience throughout her 40-year nursing career, emphasizing nursing education for the past 33 years. She currently serves as a Professor of Nursing at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska.

With nearly 15 years of active involvement in the Accreditation Committee for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Dr. Zajic has contributed as a Peer Evaluator, Evaluation Review Panel (ERP) member, and former Board of Commissioner (BOC) member. During her BOC tenure, she served as Vice-Chairperson and chaired various sub-committees, including a recent role on the search committee for the ACEN Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Her academic background includes a Doctorate in Education (with an emphasis in Health Professions) from the College of Saint Mary, a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from Creighton University. Dr. Zajic has held diverse leadership roles, such as Director of Undergraduate Nursing, Chair of Health Professions, and Associate Dean of Health Professions. Throughout her career, she has presented at local, national, and international forums.

Dr. Zajic credits her professional trajectory to her enriching experiences and strong ties with ACEN. While her career has taken various paths, her enduring passion lies in nursing education, accreditation, and public health. Beyond the classroom and clinical settings, Dr. Zajic dedicates her time to providing healthcare services to underserved populations in the Omaha metropolitan area and enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.

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