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Lees-McRae Announces Director of Nursing

Dec. 11, 2012. Lees-McRae College is pleased to announce Karen Reesman, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CLNC as Director of Nursing. Her responsibilities will include overseeing the development of May School of Nursing and Allied Health, accreditation process for Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education and the North Carolina Board of Nursing, nursing curriculum, hiring process for nursing and allied health faculty. She will also play an integral role in advising the construction of the new facility.

Dr. Reesman brings a wealth of nursing knowledge and experience in health care to Lees-McRae College. She holds a BS degree in Nursing from Rutgers University, a MA degree in nursing education from New York University, a PhD in Philosophy with a focus in Nursing and Child and Family Studies from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and certification as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant.

Throughout Karen’s career, she has been focused on education serving in faculty roles at East Tennessee State University and Appalachian State University. Most notably, Dr. Reesman held the position of Founding Chair of Appalachian State University’s Department of Nursing and Nursing Program from 2005 to 2007.

As an international scholar and humanitarian, Dr. Reesman has authored several books and publications and has been very involved with the International Council on Women’s Health Issues, presenting topics to the Research Congress in Botswana, Africa and currently serves as a board member to the 19th International Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Her life’s work also includes co-founding Johnson County’s Safe Haven in Mountain City, Tenn., where she has served as a facilitator for domestic violence, grief, trauma and bereavement groups.

When asked about her newest appointment as Director of Nursing at Lees-McRae College, Dr. Reesman responds, “I am excited to be part of the LMC family, and look forward to the growth and development not only of the nursing program but allied health sciences as well. Most importantly, I am grateful to be part of bringing more health related education to the region.” 

Groundbreaking for the new May School of Nursing and Allied Health will take place in Spring 2013 and students may begin enrolling in Fall 2013. The college has received over 150 applications thus far.

To learn more about Lees McRae College and the May School of Nursing and Allied Health, visit go.lmc.edu/nursing-allied-health.