A Career Like No Other

The College of Nursing is proud of the many accomplishments and talents of our outstanding faculty. Our professors and instructors are happy to share their time and experiences with our students to cultivate professional relationships and develop future nurses. The AU faculty team includes internationally known and recognized scholars and educators who discover and implement new knowledge that makes a difference in the lives of the Augusta community and beyond. It is imperative that our faculty members enhance evidence-based practice and dedicate their expertise to expanding the nursing profession. Faculty research and projects include:

  • Identifying early risks for kidney failure in neonates using near-infrared spectrometry to assess renal blood flow
  • Internationally disseminated work using aromatherapy to intercept pain pathways in cancer patients
  • Helping mothers in rural communities manage their diabetes better to reduce health risks in their babies
  • Identifying increased risk for sepsis and organ failure in victims at the ICU
  • Caring for migrant farm workers in the fields where they work to improve the health of themselves and their families

Choosing AU means interacting with faculty members who impact community and world health.

Join our team

Faculty Fellowships

7 Fellowships

The College of Nursing faculty members hold a combined 7 national fellowships. Becoming a fellow is an honor for esteemed nursing scholars. The two fellowship options for nurse practitioners are the Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) and the Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). The Fellows of the National Academies of Practice (FNAP) is for those who have had an exemplary career committed to interprofessional practice and accessible, affordable healthcare for all. These designations lead to international work collaboration, mentorship experience, influence in policy change, and more. Designation as a fellow is one of the highest achievements for an advanced nursing professional. Thank you to our outstanding faculty members for your amazing representation on the national stage!

  • Cynthia Chernecky, PhD, RN, FAAN
  • Pamela Cromer, DNP, FNP-BC, MSN, FAANP, FAAN
  • Teresa Marin, PhD, NNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, FNAP
  • Dean Beth NeSmith, PhD, MSN, RN, FNAP

Faculty Highlights

photo of Kimberly Rodriguez, DNP, CRNA, CHSE

Kimberly Rodriguez, DNP, CRNA, CHSE

  • Assistant Professor, Doctor of Nursing Practice Department

706.721.4439

Dr. Rodriguez is a critical part of the College of Nursing team. She recently passed her certification exam to become a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator. We value faculty CHSE certification as it has a direct correlation to the increased quality of our programs. According to Dr. Rodriguez, "I decided to pursue the CHSE certification because of my role as the simulation coordinator for the nursing anesthesia program. I believe obtaining the CHSE certification shows that I have a deep commitment to maintaining proficiency in simulation education. It helps to ensure that the simulation education we provide to our students meets the current simulation standards." Dr. Rodriguez is a wonderful role model for all our faculty seeking the CHSE certification.
photo of Cynthia Chernecky, PhD, RN, FAAN

Cynthia Chernecky, PhD, RN, FAAN

  • Professor, Doctor of Nursing Practice Department

706.755.4321

Dr. Chernecky is an internationally-recognized expert scholar in vascular access and cancer symptoms. She has published over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters, has over 400 citations, and has some of the most successful clinical reference books (30 total) in the nation. She pioneered the first book on critical care oncology, is the inventor of the ABCDE clinical education pedagogy and the HATS research model. The College of Nursing is beyond excited to read her new book, publishing soon!