When Dr. Jennifer Coleman arrived at Samford University as a graduate nursing student, she knew immediately that she had been led to this place and that all of her previous experiences were in preparation for that particular moment.  “I’ve always known that I was called to be a nurse and that my purpose is to encourage, empower, and validate the efforts of others as they seek their special calling,” said Coleman.  “As a faculty member, I am thankful for the opportunity to play a role in each student’s journey along the path toward finding his or her perfect purpose.  During the challenging, uncertain times, I am reminded of Mordecai’s words to Esther ‘…who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 [KJV]).  I am truly blessed and honored to serve and to fulfill my calling in this special place with such a caring group of people.’” 

Degrees and Certifications

• PhD, University of Southern Mississippi
• MSN, Samford University
• BSN, University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Certified Nurse Educator, National League for Nursing
• Certified Online Instructor, LERN

Involvement

• Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Abstract Reviewer
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education On-site Accreditation Evaluator
• National League for Nursing, Nursing Education Perspectives Research Journal, Manuscript Reviewer
• National Black Nurses Association, Abstract Reviewer; co-editor, NBNA News
• Alabama State Nurses Association
• Birmingham Black Nurses Association, Scholarship Committee; Mentorship Program; Grants Committee
• Southeastern Diabetes Education Services

Expertise

• Nursing diversity
• Nursing ethics
• Culturally sensitive care
• Health disparities
• Children with Type 1 diabetes
• Pediatric nursing

Awards and Honors

• Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame, 2023
• Fellow, Academy of Nursing Education, National League for Nursing, 2023
• Trailblazer Award, National Black Nurses Association, 2021
• Visionary Leader Award, UAB School of Nursing, 2021
• Outstanding Nurse Administrator (Academe) Award, Alabama State Nurses Association, 2019
• Audrey Howard Gaston Alumni Award, Samford University, 2018
• Cindajo Overton Outstanding Nurse Educator, Alabama State Nurses Association, 2017
• Excellence in Teaching Award, Alabama League for Nursing, 2014
• Nurse Educator of the Year, National Black Nurses Association, 2011
• “Doc E” Award, Southeastern Diabetes Education Services, 2006

Publications

• Coleman, J. J., Harvey, N. R., & Pritchett, T. (2022) Factors affecting success in nursing school: Experiences of African American BSN Students. Nursing Education Perspectives, 43(2), 123-125.

• Coleman, J. J., Thedford-Zimmerman, D., Dawson, M., Harris, L., Amerson, G., Williamson, M., & Diggins, V. (2019). Helping others help themselves. The Alabama Nurse, 46(1), 7.

• Lundeen, J. D., Warr, R. J., Cortes, C. G., Wallis, F., & Coleman, J. J. (2018). The development of a clinical peer review tool.  Nursing Education Perspectives, 39, 43-45.

• Coleman, J. J., & Dick, T. K. (2016).  Nursing & Theater: Teaching ethics through the arts. Nurse Educator, 41, 262-265.

Presentations

• Hardin, L. M., Chatman, S. H., & Coleman, J. J. (2024, January 4). Simulation theater: A faculty production to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion [Poster presentation]. Hawaii International Conference on Education 2024, Waikoloa, HI, United States.
• Coleman, J. J. (2024, February 19). Birmingham Black Nurses Association: Making a Positive Impact on Health Disparities & Issues of Access to Care. [Invited speaker]. Samford University, Office of Student Success and Diversity, Lunch and Learn, Birmingham, AL, United States.
• Coleman, J. J., & Lee, L. (2023, November 15). NBNA Mini Nurse Academy [Webinar presentation]. NBNA Population Health Committee Wisdom Wednesdays, National Black Nurses Association.
• Coleman, J. J. (2023, November 13). Are You a Leader or a Follower? [Invited speaker]. Herzing University, Birmingham Black Nurses Association Leadership Academy, Birmingham, AL, United States.
• Coleman, J. J., & Lee, L. (2023, August 1-6). NBNA Mini Nurse Academy [Paper presentation]. National Black Nurses Association 51st Annual Institute & Conference, The Power of Mentoring to Create Workforce Diversity in a Future Nurse Leader, Atlanta, GA, United States.
• Coleman, J. J. (2023, March 31). Factors affecting success in nursing school: Experiences of African American BSN students [Paper presentation]. Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International and National League for Nursing, Nursing Education Research Conference 2023, Washington, DC, United States.
• Coleman, J. J. (2022, December 3). NBNA Mini Nurse Academy [Virtual presentation]. New England Minority Nurse 8th Annual Leadership Conference.
• Coleman, J. J. (2022, November 9-10). Factors affecting success of African American BSN students [Virtual presentation]. American Association of Colleges of Nursing Diversity Symposium.
• Your Best Life Radio Show (2021). (Host of weekly health education broadcasts). Summit Media Broadcasting Company

Research Areas

• Factors Affecting Success in Nursing School: Experiences of African American BSN Students