Nursing education leaders Drs. Debbie Gregory and Martha Buckner appointed Interim Center Co-Directors
Belmont University announced today the establishment of The Inman College of Nursing (ICON) Center for Nursing Innovation (CNI). The Center for Nursing Innovation (ICON-CNI) will unite education, innovation and healthcare leaders in support of transforming nursing education and hope for the future of healthcare through philanthropy, research and outreach. This will support it’s mission to cultivate a community of courageous nurse leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge and innovative mindset necessary to positively impact healthcare outcomes.
The first of its kind in the state of Tennessee, ICON-CNI joins other universities across the country who are working to reimagine the future of nursing—from the classroom to the bedside. These other institutions include The Ohio State, The University of Minnesota, Johns Hopkins, and the University of Pennsylvania. “Adding Belmont to the list of Nursing Innovation Centers is a perfect fit, particularly given Nashville's status at the Nation’s Healthcare Capital, the many health disciplines on Belmont’s campus and the University's strategic priorities focused on human flourishing for all. Many excellent opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and our community will develop through this initiative,” said Dr. Julie Honey, interim dean of the Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing.
The launch of ICON-CNI comes with the appointment of CNI Co-directors, and a leadership team that will work alongside the Interim Dean and ICON Leaders. This collaboration will provide the Belmont community opportunities to engage in CNI development and planning and ensure that ICON-CNI aligns with the evolving needs of nursing education and healthcare.
Known nursing industry leader Dr. Debbie Gregory has been appointed Senior Fellow for Nursing Innovation and Interim ICON-CNI Co-Director. Gregory is a national leader in healthcare design and innovation, leveraging her experience as a nurse, healthcare consultant, and interior designer to advocate for nurse leadership representation in designing and building healthcare environments. She is co-founder of the Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design, a founding member of the Clemson University Academy of Nursing Excellence in Design and co-editor of the Health Environments Research and Design Journal. A volunteer position, this appointment will allow Gregory to continue to serve as a leader across Nashville nursing and provide her with a platform to further ICON’s mission through her own passions.
Dr. Martha Buckner will serve as Nurse Educator Innovator in Residence and Interim ICON-CNI Co-Director. Buckner is Professor of Nursing Emerita at Belmont University and chair of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Professional Assistance Program (TNPaP). She has a wide range of clinical experience across her 30+ year career including in acute care, nutrition support, nursing higher education and Buckner retired from full-time faculty service in 2022, having spent the last 10 years as Associate Dean of Nursing and Executive Director of Partners in Nursing at Belmont University.
In addition to the Interim Dean and Co-Directors, the ICON-CNI leadership team will include Dr. Shelby Garner, Director of Global Health Innovation for Belmont, Dr. Amy Rasmussen, ICON Director of Professional Development and Innovation and Professor Martha Ezell, who will serve as the Nursing Faculty Liaison to the center.
“Nursing education is at a crossroads,” added Honey. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the need for innovative solutions is critical, and Belmont University is embarking on a transformative journey to lead the future of nursing through the establishment of the Center for Nursing Innovation. The ICON-CNI aims to unite education, innovation and healthcare leaders to address the pressing issues nursing education and healthcare systems face while training the next generation of nursing professionals.”
By cultivating multi-faceted, sustainable partnerships locally and globally, ICON-CNI will strive to empower individuals and communities to thrive — a testament to Belmont's commitment to excellence, fostering a Christ-centered culture supporting health, unity and flourishing for all.