Edward M Penson Distinguished Teaching Award

Kathleen Elertson

Kathy Elertson is assistant dean and post licensure program director in the College of Nursing. As a faculty member, she encourages undergraduate and graduate nursing students to make essential connections between theory and clinical application. The “lightbulb moment” when students grasp difficult concepts or make meaningful connections brings her significant joy as an educator. Elertson’s scholarly focus on stigma in healthcare highlights the need for action to address health disparities within vulnerable populations. She also brings real world experience to the classroom as a dual certified pediatric and family practice nurse practitioner in active clinical practice.