School of Nursing assist. professor selected as a prestigious scholar

Sharon Coulter, assistant professor in the College of Nursing and Allied Health, was recently selected as a National League for Nursing (NLN) Jonas Scholar.  Selected by a competitive review process, she will represent the League’s 2018-2019 Jonas Scholar cohort.

“I am both honored and humbled to be chosen as a Jonas Scholar representing Southern University,” said Coulter. “It is an honor to be among national scholars, networking and engaging in scholarly research. This honor is an impetus, as well as an opportunity for me to grow professionally and scholarly.

The NLN Jonas Scholars Program addresses a core goal of the NLN which is to promote evidence-based nursing education and the scholarship of teaching. Jonas Philanthropies, in partnership with schools of nursing across the country, identify and invest in high-potential doctoral nursing scholars. In addition to supporting nurses who will address the nation’s most pressing healthcare needs, Jonas scholarships aim to increase the number of nurses with advanced training filling leadership roles as clinical leaders, faculty, and researchers. Also, it aims to improve the health of veterans by supporting doctoral level candidates committed to advancing health care for veterans.

“Sharon Coulter represents the fifth time that the NLN has selected a Jonas scholar from Southern University’s School of Nursing doctoral program,” said Cheryl Taylor, chair of the graduate programs in nursing and Jonas scholar mentor. “Coulter’s commitment and research focus is helping to pave the way for excellence in nursing education and scholarship.”

Previous Southern University Jonas Scholar recipients include Terrelle Foster, Antionella Upshaw, and Juanita Garner, who are all currently working as assistant professors in the College of Nursing and Allied Health.

As a Southern alumna, Coulter has more than 25 years within the nursing profession through clinical and teaching experience. Her research interest is centered around the success of students, their learning styles, and aiding in their transition to practice. She is a member of several professional organizations including, Baton Rouge District Nurses Association, Louisiana State Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and National Scholars Honor Society. Within the department, she has served as undergraduate counselor for Tau Pi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.