The National Consortium for Nursing Academic Coaches | Office of Professional & Continuing Education

The National Consortium for Nursing Academic Coaches (NCNAC)

The National Consortium for Nursing Academic Coaches (NCNAC) was started in 2021 to connect educators in nursing academia looking for help in supporting their nursing students through academic coaching or student success. The coaching role is broadly defined and includes nursing faculty or staff that help nursing students with topics such as studying skills, time management, test taking, or general life skills. Our consortium works to fill in gaps in support for nursing academic coaches, as well as to support one another through research and collaboration. NCNAC is currently composed of over 500 nursing educators from 48 states in the U.S.

To foster nursing education excellence, we dedicate ourselves to empowering students through personalized coaching, innovative teaching methods, and evidence-based practices. By creating a collaborative environment, we create opportunities for students to thrive, embrace lifelong learning, and achieve their full potential. Together, we advance the field of nursing education by promoting research, sharing best practices, and advocating for continuous improvement.

Mrs. Henderson joined the Auburn College of Nursing Faculty in 2016. She graduated from Auburn’s College of Nursing in 2013 with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Following graduation, she moved to Atlanta and worked for Emory University Hospital in the NeuroIntensive Care Unit. Mrs. Henderson then went on to graduate from Auburn University in 2016 with her Masters in Nursing Education. After graduation, Mrs. Henderson began working for the Auburn University College of Nursing and teaches first and second semester students in the areas of Nursing Pathophysiology and Adult Health Nursing. She is currently working on completing a PhD in Educational Psychology through Auburn University.

Mrs. Henderson is also the Academic Coach for the College of Nursing. In this role, she works with College of Nursing students to improve test taking, time management, and study skills. She also founded the National Consortium for Nursing Academic Coaches, a national organization that brings together academic coaches from around the country to collaborate and support each other in their academic and clinical roles. She is the faculty advisor for the AUCON Student Wellness Committee, the AUCON Student Nurses Christian Fellowship, and the AUCON Orientation Counselors.

Amanda Mehlhaff is a master’s prepared lecturer and Student Success Coach for the South Dakota State University College of Nursing. Her teaching and mentoring experience primarily occurs in undergraduate (standard and accelerated) programs for bachelor’s degree prepared nurses. She currently is the Student Success Coach for the largest nursing school in South Dakota with more than 650 students in four cities across the state. Amanda enjoys enhancing student success for academic and professional goals and places a high emphasis on student belonging, positive learning environments and engagement, and active learning strategies.

Beth Hultquist has been a nurse educator since 2008 having taught in ADN, BSN, and MSN programs. She is currently a Clinical Associate Professor at Baylor University’s LHSON in Dallas. Her niche is teaching complicated adult medical surgical concepts and tutoring for classroom and NCLEX success. Dr. Hultquist has always been student focused and enjoys coming alongside students to help, encourage, teach and mentor. She realizes external forces have an impact on student learning and is willing to help students manage their life stressors as well as school. Dr Hultquist strives for each student to feel they are valued, respected, and encouraged.

CJ Wright-Boon earned her BSN from Bradley University in Peoria, IL and her MSN from Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing in Peoria, IL. CJ spent the first decade of her career working as a nurse on an adult CVICU and then a Pediatric ICU. She has worked as a faculty member at SFMCCON since 2008 with roles in coordinating the college's simulation and practice labs and teaching in both didactic and clinical settings. CJ currently is the coordinator of the college’s Academic Support Center, where her focus is collaborating with the students and other staff members to help students meet their goals of becoming a nurse.

Lauren Strand is an Associate Professor of Nursing at Central Methodist University, in Fayette, Missouri. Lauren graduated from Central Methodist University in 2012 and started her career at the University of Missouri Hospital on the Progressive Care Stepdown Unit and then took a role in the ICU Float cluster as a PRN Nurse. She then transferred to Boone Hospital and remained in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit for almost seven years working PRN while teaching nursing at CMU. Lauren graduated with her Master’s in Nursing Education in 2016 from Central Methodist University and joined the faculty team where she taught several didactic and clinical courses. Currently, she is the Director of the RN to BSN Completion Program for CMU and the undergraduate Nursing Student Success Program Coordinator. Lauren’s passion is meeting students right where they are and helping foster their full potential academically and professionally while maintaining a healthy life balance. Lauren serves as one of the BSN Coordinators for the National Consortium for Nursing Academic Coaches. She is also a proud member of Alpha Iota chapter of Sigma Theta Tau and serves as the Awards Chair.

Veronica Nieto M.S.O.L. (she/her/ella) is a bilingual higher education professional based in Portland, Oregon, with a decade of experience in student support an academic success. With a master’s degree in organizational leadership, she currently serves as the RN to BS Online Education Program Manager and Academic Advisor at Oregon Health and Science University's School of Nursing. Veronica is dedicated to enhancing student engagement through a high-touch online support model that fosters a strong sense of belonging. She is passionate about creating a safe and inclusive environment, building trusting relationships with her students, and helping them navigate their educational journeys with confidence and support.

Dr. Tierney began her professional career working in Neuropsychology as a psychometrist, which eventually led to working in leadership and administrator roles for Accessibility Resources and Dean of Students offices within higher education for nearly a decade. Beginning in 2021, Dr. Tierney decided to compile her 16 years of experience, education, and research in serving college students into working as an academic coach and educational consultant. Dr. Tierney currently serves as Student Success Coach for VCU School of Nursing in Richmond, Virginia and while she works with all students enrolled, she specializes in working with neurodivergent students, specifically those with high-incidence disabilities like ADHD and Anxiety.

Dr. Janeen Amason is an Associate Professor at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia and has over thirty years nursing experience in women’s health, care of women during pregnancy and postpartum, newborn care, prenatal education, and nursing education. She received her BSN from Auburn University, MSN from Troy University, and PhD in Nursing from Georgia State University. Dr. Amason has twenty-five years' experience as a nurse educator teaching in LPN, ADN, and BSN programs. Her current leadership role at the Wellstar School of Nursing is the Assistant Director of Nursing Student Success.

Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision: “NCNAC advances excellence in nursing academic student support, empowering educators and students to reach their academic and professional goals”

Mission: To foster nursing education excellence, we dedicate ourselves to empowering students through personalized coaching, innovative teaching methods, and evidence-based practices. By creating a collaborative environment, we create opportunities for students to thrive, embrace lifelong learning, and achieve their full potential. Together, we advance the field of nursing education by promoting research, sharing best practices, and advocating for continuous improvement.

Values:

Together, we:

Believe in a student-centered approach to academic coaching with a focus on supporting individualistic learning styles, educational and career goals, and holistic wellness.

Seek to advance the field of nursing academic coaching through collaboration, discussion, and the development of evidence-based best practices.

Strive to create an inclusive and diverse group of nurse educators who contribute knowledge specific to their student body in an effort to create a well-rounded body of knowledge and expertise.

Empower nursing students by providing the tools to promote self-efficacy, motivation, and self-regulation.

Advocate for the needs of nursing academic coaches and nursing students to give power to their voices and to make an impact on their universities, states, countries, and the world.

The first NCNAC Annual Conference will be held on March 21-23, 2025 at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center.

Make sure to join the group from the Home Page to get updates on conference planning.

Online registration is now closed. On-site registration will be available on Friday, March 21st from 8am - 12pm.

Interested in Sponsoring and/or Exhibiting?

View and download the Sponsor & Exhibit Packet.

Vendor/Sponsor Registration

Platinum Level Sponsor
East Alabama Health

Gold Level Sponsor
ATI Nursing

Hotel Information

The Conference will be hosted at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center. The cut-off date to make a reservation at a discount rate was February 18th. While the discounted rate is no longer available, reservations can still be made here:
Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center Reservations

Please note the Auburn University Hotel has a small inventory of rooms for March 21st and March 22nd.

Other Accommodation Options:

Graduate by Hilton – 0.4 miles from the Conference Center
TownePlace Suites Auburn – 1.6 miles from the Conference Center
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Auburn – 2.9 miles from the Conference Center

Airport Information

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport - Atlanta, GA
Located 101.3 miles from the Auburn University Hotel
https://www.atl.com/

Groome Transportation can be scheduled to pick up/drop off from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. More information can be found on the Groome Transportation website.

Columbus Airport - Columbus, GA
Located 40.8 miles from the Auburn University Hotel
https://www.flycolumbusga.com/

Montgomery Regional Airport- Montgomery, AL
Located 62.5 miles from the Auburn University Hotel
https://flymgm.com/

2025 NCNAC Conference Schedule

Friday, March 21, 2025
8:00 am – 12:00 pm	Registration: Boardroom
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm	Lunch & Keynote Speaker: Grand Ballroom Speaker: Dr. Jessica Peck, Baylor University “The Future of Nursing: Coaching NextGen Nurse Voices”
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm	Workshop Session 1 Oak Room I – From the Ground Up: Inspiring a True Love of the Nursing Profession Presenter: Kendall Henderson, Megan McKean, Davis Routh, & Laney Gresco Session Description: This session focuses on fostering passion and commitment in nursing students through a Foundations to Professional Nursing course. The presentation will review the course and strategies used that can be applicable in any setting at any point in a curriculum. Oak Room II – Building a Supportive Learning Environment: The Role of Student Learning Assistants in Nursing Education Presenter: Janeen Amason Session Description: This session explores the impact of student learning assistants in nursing education. By offering peer support and mentorship, these programs improve academic success and confidence among nursing students. Camellia – The State and Impact of Professional Coaching in Academia Presenter: Kermit Jones, Tony Husted, & Alyssa Backes Session Description: This session explores the transformative role of professional coaching in academia, particularly in fostering leadership, resilience, and well-being among students and faculty. Attendees will gain insights into how credentialed coaching enhances academic success, psychological well-being, and institutional excellence. With evidence-based practices and measurable outcomes, this presentation advocates for integrating structured coaching programs into nursing education to better support students and educators in high-pressure environments.
2:40 pm – 3:10 pm	Workshop Session 2 Oak Room I – Implementing a Hybrid Pre-Enrollment Program to Promote Study Skills and Academic Success Presenter: Claire Forbes Session Description: This session explores the development and implementation of a hybrid pre-enrollment program designed to help incoming nursing students build strong academic foundations before starting their coursework. By addressing challenges such as ineffective study habits and difficulty applying knowledge in clinical settings, the program aims to improve student retention and success. Attendees will learn about the impact of early academic intervention and strategies to proactively support nursing students before their first semester begins. Oak Room II – How to Study Like a Nurse! Presenter: Angela Schooley Session Description: This session provides evidence-based study strategies tailored for nursing students. By streamlining learning tools and evaluating their effectiveness, students can improve study habits and academic performance. Camellia –The Role of the Success Coach in an ADN Program to Enhance Student Success Presenters: Nancy Trigg & Laurie Dillon Session Description: To ensure tailored student support, ACC's Professional Nursing Department employs three designated NSCs. One is dedicated to high-risk students and serves as the team lead. The definition of the high-risk student is identified as a student who has repeated our program. While the other NSCs support the remaining student population. By using diverse strategies and methodologies, the NSCs cater to the varying needs of a diverse student body, achieving consistently high success rates among students who utilize their services.
3:20 pm – 3:50 pm	Break with Exhibitors: Legacy Ballroom
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm	Workshop Session 3 Oak Room I – Fostering Wellness and Resilience in Online Nursing Students Presenter: Veronica Nieto & Heather Freiheit Session Description: This session addresses the challenges of asynchronous learning in nursing education. Attendees will gain strategies to enhance student engagement, reduce burnout, and promote success in virtual environments. Oak Room II – Promoting Metacognition in Nursing Students Using an Exam Review Learning Activity Presenters: Lisa Lowe & Heidi Gonzalez Session Description: Discover how an exam review learning activity can enhance metacognition and improve test performance. This session explores strategies to help students develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. Camellia – Study Strategies of the Top 25% Performers in Clinical Pathophysiology for Student Success Presenter: Kate Harrington Session Description: Explore study techniques used by top-performing nursing students in pathophysiology courses. This session identifies key habits that lead to academic success and provides actionable strategies for students.
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm	Welcome Reception with Exhibitors & Poster Presentation: Pre-Function Foyer
Saturday, March 22, 2025
6:45 am – 7:15 am	Walking Groups: AUHCC Lobby
7:30 am – 4:00 pm	Exhibit Hall: Legacy Ballroom
7:30 am – 8:30 am	Breakfast: Grand Ballroom
8:00 am – 9:00 am	Networking Round Tables: Grand Ballroom
9:00 am – 9:30 am	Workshop Session 4 Oak Room I – Wellness and Resilience: Winning Approaches for Nursing Student Well-Being Presenters: Whitnie Willis & Julia Cox-Pearson Session Description: This session explores the role of resilience and wellness in nursing education and how community hospitals can foster a supportive learning environment. By leveraging the Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) model, hospitals can enhance student well-being, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and create a culture that prioritizes resilience. Attendees will gain insights into how innovative programs can prepare nursing students for the demands of modern healthcare while strengthening the overall healthcare workforce. Oak Room II – Stop talking and Let Me Think: Meeting Today’s Students Where They Are At Presenter: Amanda Melhaff Session Description: This session highlights the importance of giving students time for independent thinking in nursing education. By reducing cognitive overload, students can process information more effectively and improve decision-making skills. Camellia – Empowering Future Nurses: Reducing Anxiety Through Inclusive Clinical Training and Education Presenter: Amy Curtis Session Description: This session highlights innovative pre-briefing and debriefing activities designed to empower nursing students during clinical experiences with individuals with developmental disabilities.
9:40 am – 10:10 am	Workshop Session 5 Oak Room I – Harnessing the Science of the Mind to Achieve Academic Success- Insights from an Academic Coach Neuroscientist Presenter: Olivia Fitch Session Description: This session takes a deep dive into the neuroscience behind learning and memory, offering insights to help academic coaches optimize their support strategies. Attendees will explore key brain regions involved in learning and discover evidence-based techniques to enhance student success. Through discussion and collaboration, this presentation provides an opportunity to apply scientific principles to academic coaching and problem-solving in education. Oak Room II – Empowering Nursing Students through Evidence-Based Study Strategies Presenters: Jinny Bailey & Shakelia McLaurin Session Description: This session showcases study techniques that enhance academic success and retention in nursing programs. Attendees will learn how to implement evidence-based support systems at their institutions. Camellia –CARES Coaching: A Holistic Approach to Unlocking Academic Potential and Student Success Presenter: Lisa Jones Session Description: This session introduces the CARES Coaching program, a holistic academic support initiative designed to enhance student retention and success in nursing education. By focusing on Caring, Advocacy, Resilience, Empathy, and Service, the program provides personalized guidance for at-risk students, many of whom are first-generation college students or Pell Grant recipients. Attendees will explore how this model fosters academic achievement and personal growth, with insights into its expansion as a replicable framework for student support across health sciences programs.
10:15 am – 10:45 am	Break with Exhibitors: Legacy Ballroom
10:45 am – 11:15 am	Workshop Session 6 Oak Room I – The Things They Carry: Understanding Nursing Student Evaluation Anxiety Presenter: Kendall Henderson, Shelby Schmitt, Abby Shipp, & Jack Glenn Session Description: This session explores the transformative role of professional coaching in academia, particularly in fostering leadership, resilience, and well-being among students and faculty. Attendees will gain insights into how credentialed coaching enhances academic success, psychological well-being, and institutional excellence. With evidence-based practices and measurable outcomes, this presentation advocates for integrating structured coaching programs into nursing education to better support students and educators in high-pressure environments Oak Room II – Small Bites, Big Impact: Cultivating Resilience through Bite-Sized Learning Presenter: Kadraya Johnson Session Description: This session introduces Bite-Sized Learning, an initiative aimed at reducing student stress through engaging, low-pressure study sessions. Learn how small, structured learning experiences improve student resilience and motivation. Camellia – Professional Success: Utilizing Simulation for Nurse Remediation and Retention Presenter: Carrie Norwood Session Description: This session introduces a simulation-based remediation program designed to support struggling nurses, particularly recent graduates. By assessing competence and addressing deficiencies through individualized learning plans, the program enhances clinical performance and patient safety. Attendees will explore how simulation-based training provides a structured and effective method for improving nurse retention and reducing medical errors.
11:25 am – 11:55 am	Workshop Session 7 Oak Room I – From Struggling to Thriving: A Program to Support Academic and Personal Success for Nursing Students Presenter: Donna Guerra Session Description: This session introduces the Engage & Excel (E2) program, designed to assist nursing students with literacy skills, time management, and test-taking strategies. By addressing individual learning needs, this program enhances retention and academic success. Oak Room II – Charting Your Path in Nursing: The Importance of Professional Identity Presenter: Maria Flores-Harris Session Description: This session explores the development of professional identity in nursing students. Attendees will gain insights into how identity formation enhances ethical decision-making and long-term career success. Camellia – Yikes! My First Pediatric Clinical Presenter: Ann Lambert & Amanda Butler Session Description: This session addresses the anxiety nursing students face when entering pediatric clinical settings. Through hands-on practice and structured interventions, students build confidence and competence before patient interactions.
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm	Lunch Break – Lunch on your own
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm	Workshop Session 8 Oak Room I – Active Learning Strategies in Large Classrooms: Create Community & Engage Learners Presenter: Beth Hultquist Session Description: This session introduces interactive teaching methods that foster student engagement in large classroom settings. By promoting active participation, educators can create a more dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Oak Room II – Building Resilience and Readiness: A Holistic Approach to Pre-Nursing Success Presenters: Stephanie Wood, Alyson Skinner, Melanie Warren, & Ella Grace Comer Session Description: This session highlights strategies to help pre-nursing students build effective study habits, manage time, and cultivate resilience. By addressing these skills early, students are better prepared for the rigorous demands of nursing school. Camellia – Grace in Grief: The Student Experience Presenter: Erin Thornton Session Description: This session examines how nursing students process end-of-life care through the Grace in Grief intervention. Utilizing reflective pedagogy, students acknowledge their feelings and develop emotional intelligence for handling patient loss in clinical practice.
2:10 pm – 2:40 pm	Workshop Session 9 Oak Room I – Mindfulness Activities to Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Nursing Students Presenter: Anne Marie Flatekval Session Description: Explore how mindfulness activities can help nursing students manage stress and anxiety. This session provides simple, effective strategies for integrating mindfulness into nursing education. Oak Room II – Student-Led Conferences: Growing Student Agency and Faculty Mentors while Cultivating Meaningful Outcomes Presenters: Jennifer Hoilman & Lauren Jones Session Description: This session explores the implementation of student-led conferences in nursing education. By fostering reflective practices and self-assessment, students enhance their communication and accountability, preparing for professional success.
2:50 pm – 3:20 pm	Break with Exhibitors: Legacy Ballroom
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm	College of Nursing Tour: AUHCC Lobby
Sunday, March 23, 2025
6:45 am – 7:15 am	Walking Groups: AUHCC Lobby
7:30 am – 11:00 am	Exhibit Hall: Legacy Ballroom
7:30 am – 8:30 am	Breakfast: Grand Ballroom
8:00 am – 9:00 am	Networking Round Tables: Grand Ballroom
9:00 am – 9:45 am	Workshop Session 10 Application Workshops Oak Room I- Supporting a New Generation of Nursing Students: Improving Retention Across the Nation A time to explore the use of ATI products for student success and program use. Oak Room II- Building a Foundations Course Based on the Essentials (Kendall Henderson) This session will expand on the presentation “Inspiring a True Love for the Nursing Profession” and will include steps taken, including syllabus review, for a course based on the new AACN Essentials and how you can implement parts of the course or the whole course into your curriculum. Camellia- Brainstorming Session Have an idea you have heard earlier at the conference that you want to work through? Or want some time to develop ideas to take back to your nursing program or leadership? Let our NCNAC officers facilitate discussions about how you can apply what you have learned at the conference!
9:50 am - 10:15 am	Break with Exhibitors: Legacy Ballroom
10:20 am – 11:05 am	Workshop Session 11 Application Workshops Oak Room I- Supporting a New Generation of Nursing Students: Improving Retention Across the Nation A time to explore the use of ATI products for student success and program use. Oak Room II- Partnering with a Hospital to Build an Apprenticeship Program (AUCON and East Alabama Medical Center) A time to workshop through building strong and lasting partnerships with local hospitals in your area to build an apprenticeship program that will allow students to enrich their nursing school experience and ensure lasting success in their nursing career. Camellia- Brainstorming Session Have an idea you have heard earlier at the conference that you want to work through? Or want some time to develop ideas to take back to your nursing program or leadership? Let our NCNAC officers facilitate discussions about how you can apply what you have learned at the conference!
11:15 am – 12:00 pm	Workshop Session 12 Application Workshops Oak Room I- Building a Pre-Nursing Course to Prepare Students (Stephanie Wood, Alyson Skinner) This session will build on the session titled “Building Resilience and Readiness: A Holistic Approach to Pre-Nursing Success” and will explore practically implementing measures into a nursing program to ensure the success and readiness of pre-nursing students. Oak Room II- Building a Foundations Course Based on the Essentials (Kendall Henderson) This session will expand on the presentation “Inspiring a True Love for the Nursing Profession” and will include steps taken, including syllabus review, for a course based on the new AACN Essentials and how you can implement parts of the course or the whole course into your curriculum. Camellia- Brainstorming Session Have an idea you have heard earlier at the conference that you want to work through? Or want some time to develop ideas to take back to your nursing program or leadership? Let our NCNAC officers facilitate discussions about how you can apply what you have learned at the conference!
12:15 pm – 2:00 pm	Lunch & Closing Remarks from NCNAC Leadership: Grand Ballroom

Last Updated: March 21, 2025

The National Consortium for Nursing Academic Coaches (NCNAC)

Vision, Mission, and Values

Interested in Sponsoring and/or Exhibiting?

Hotel Information

Airport Information

2025 NCNAC Conference Schedule

Friday, March 21, 2025

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Sunday, March 23, 2025