Adrienne Wallace, DNP, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, RN was there when Arizona College of Nursing’s (AZCN) Aurora campus opened its doors in 2023. In fact, she was the very first faculty member hired. While her role at the college is pivotal, her journey to AZCN was anything but typical.
Before ever stepping into a nursing classroom, Wallace spent a decade as a funeral director and embalmer in the Tampa Bay area. Initially, she was drawn to forensics after the CSI boom of the mid-2000s. This led her to a fulfilling, yet eventually stagnant, career in funeral services.
“I just stopped learning,” she reflects, describing a burnout not from patient care, but from the emotional intensity of family care and a lack of continued professional growth. With the unwavering support of her husband and family, she made the bold decision to dive into some type of medical career, where nursing quickly emerged as the clear path.
“I said I’m doing it, but I’m not stopping until I’m Doctor Wallace.” For 10 years, she dedicated herself to her education, earning her RN, an accelerated BSN, her master’s as a nurse practitioner, and finally, her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Throughout her education she gained diverse clinical experience, including everything from Med-Surg and progressive cardiac care to postpartum, NICU, and a pediatric primary care office. Her DNP project focused on vital newborn and infant safe sleep education, displaying her deep commitment to pediatric health.
Building a Campus and Nurturing Students
Joining AZCN Aurora meant helping to build a program from the ground up. Wallace quickly became an important influence on this mission. In the initial phases of the college’s development, it was just her and one other faculty member.
“In that first semester, I taught Health Assessment, I helped with Foundations, [and] we both did clinicals for Foundations,” she recounts.
Her expertise then expanded to mental health and her specialty, pediatrics, where she leverages her background as a pediatric nurse practitioner. She also serves as a campus mentor for the online program, guiding new faculty through the virtual classroom.
“I love the campus. I love the students. I know pretty much all of them.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Wallace’s current passion now lies in teaching. While she originally envisioned a full-time nurse practitioner role with part-time education, the roles have completely reversed.
“I would say my passion right now is teaching.”
The flexibility of her adjunct role at AZCN allows her to prioritize her young daughter, an invaluable benefit especially after homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her approach to education is deeply empathetic and personalized as she makes it a point to connect with every student. Wallace works hard to recognize each student’s diverse backgrounds and struggles.
“I always said I wanted to be the teacher that my students knew what to expect when I walked into the classroom. Whereas when I went to nursing school, I feared my teacher, and I don’t want anyone to ever feel like I am there to instill fear in them.”
This personal connection fosters an environment where students feel comfortable confiding in her, whether they are facing financial strain, juggling single parenthood, or enduring personal tragedies. She sees them not just as students, but as “my patients or my kids in some way.”
DAISY, Nightingale, and 100% NCLEX Pass Rates
Wallace’s impact doesn’t go unnoticed. She was nominated by students for a prestigious DAISY Award, a recognition established by the DAISY Foundation that is particularly meaningful for a nurse like Wallace, who spent years working nights where patient and family interaction is limited. Additionally, the college honored her with the Nightingale Award.
However, her biggest wins seem to be found in her students’ achievements. She states that she is incredibly proud to have been part of the first cohort’s journey, witnessing them graduate. Wallace also celebrates the perseverance of students who faced early setbacks, like those who failed their first semester but, with the support of dedicated faculty, are now just one semester away from graduating.
Wallace’s journey into nursing education highlights just how impactful it can be when educators often bring a wealth of diverse experiences, a strong commitment to continuous learning, and empathetic connection to their role.
Start Your Future in Nursing Today
If you’re considering a career as a registered nurse (RN), Arizona College of Nursing is here to help you pursue your dream. Our BSN program enables you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 3 years or less with qualifying transfer credits. We’ve helped hundreds of students to earn a BSN degree and enter the nursing profession – and we’re ready to support you on your path to becoming an RN.
Why Choose Arizona College of Nursing?
- Earn a BSN degree in 3 years or less with eligible transfer credits
- Campus locations throughout the US
- Night classes for general education courses
- Hybrid Online/In-Person format for general education classes
- Nursing education is all we do
- CCNE-Accredited Program*
- NCLEX-RN success coaches and exam preparation class
- Financial aid available to those who qualify
Discover Your Path to a Career in Nursing
Information in this post is accurate as of September 21, 2026.
*The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program at Arizona College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/). All Arizona College of Nursing and Arizona College campuses are institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (https://www.abhes.org/), a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency.