Abbey has developed a strong foundation in student support and academic operations with over six years of experience in the education field. She previously served in the clinical coordination role at the Las Vegas campus of Arizona College of Nursing, where she facilitated clinical placements and supported nursing students in meeting program requirements. After relocating to Cincinnati in 2025, she became an Academic Records Manager, overseeing student records, ensuring compliance, and contributing to the integrity of academic processes. Abbey is passionate about supporting student success and seeing students thrive through education.
Before joining Arizona College of Nursing in 2023, Chrissy worked as a Senior Financial Advisor for 10 years, where she supported students with navigating the path to higher education. As Director of Financial Aid at Arizona College of Nursing, she specializes in guiding students through the financial aid processes, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and developing efficient systems that support both student success and institutional goals.
Chrissy’s expertise is in financial aid packaging, program development, and operational streamlining, all driven by a passion for increasing access to education. With a proven track record of improving processes and building meaningful relationships, she brings both professionalism and a people-first approach to her work.
Education: RN | MSN Ed. D (c)
Shelia is excited to join the Arizona College of Nursing Leadership Team, as Dean of Nursing for the Southfield Campus. Shelia has over 40 years of experience in the industry. She has worked in a variety of clinical and educational settings including Medical/Surgical, School-Based Health, Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care, Adult Intensive Care, Internal Medicine and Nursing/Patient Education. She has also served as coordinator and in leadership roles throughout her clinical nursing tenure. Shelia transitioned from Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) where she served as Associate Dean of Nursing, Dean of Nursing and Campus Dean of Nursing, where she was instrumental in seeking Board of Nursing approval for implementing several nursing education programs. Shelia has 3 children, 6 grand loves and a wonderful husband, all of whom are her heartbeats. Shelia loves to dance, sing, read novels and watch old movies with her husband. Shelia is a traveler and a lover of cruises. Shelia is passionate about the delivery of quality and excellence in nursing education, to best prepare our nursing students for confidently entering the workforce. Shelia is a member of the Nursing Honor Society, National League for Nursing (NLN), American Nurses Association, Association of Black Nurses and is amid completing her Doctorate in Education to have an even stronger voice impacting the body of nursing knowledge.
Education: Ed.D, Higher Education Leadership, Northcentral University | MPA Public Administration and BBA Business Admin, Eastern Michigan University
Dr. Okagbare brings over 20 years of experience in campus leadership and national operations management at academic institutions across the country. Prior to joining Arizona College of Nursing, he held roles such as President and Dean of Campuses for Allied Health, Nursing, and Trade Schools, focusing on servant leadership to drive a positive culture and excellent student outcomes.
Dr. Okagbare holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Northcentral University, as well as a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Eastern Michigan University.
Prior to joining Arizona College of Nursing in 2019, Frances held leadership positions in the areas of Faculty Affairs and Graduate Programs. In her 20 plus years in Higher Education, she has worked in the areas financial aid, online course design, career services, LMS training, and faculty accreditation/compliance. Frances is passionate about improving student experience by aligning academic programs, staff development, and regulatory practices.
As Dean of General Education, Frances helps support GE students by creating a learning environment to excel and prepare for Core transition.
Education: MEd in Curriculum & Instruction/College Student Affairs, University of South Florida | BA in Foreign Language Education, University of South Florida
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology, Wayne State University
Leann Ray brings more than 15 years of admissions and leadership experience to her role at the Southfield campus. A proud Detroit native, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Wayne State University.
Before joining AZCN, Leann served as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Ogle Cosmetology School in Texas, where she supported the oversight and operations of nine campuses statewide. In this capacity, she contributed to strategic enrollment growth, retention initiatives, and key student-success efforts.
Leann is honored to serve the greater Detroit Metropolitan area and is deeply committed to helping students transform their educational goals into life-changing milestones. She strives to cultivate a welcoming, student-centered environment where individuals feel respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Education: Associate Degree in Nursing | MSN in Leadership and Management | DNP in Healthcare Systems Leadership
Tiffany has had a lifelong passion for helping others. As a registered nurse, she has been able to combine this passion with her desire to make a difference. Dr. Williams obtained her RN certification after completing a 2-year Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) program and she went on to obtain her master’s in nursing (MSN), and Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. She has focused on creating and improving healthcare systems, processes, and policies during her 25+ years of nursing focusing the past 10+ years’ experience in nursing education and higher education. She is a thrice nominated Daisy Award candidate who loves getting to know her students and taking part in the development and success of each individual. Prior to joining Arizona College in 2025, Dr. Williams served as Assistant Dean of Nursing for Arizona College. She also held a leadership position at Chamberlain University Irving, where she successfully implemented the Evening/Weekend Program. When not at work, Dr. Williams enjoys reading, cooking, music and spending time with family and friends.
Education: Associate Degree in Nursing | Bachelor of Arts | Master of Arts in Organizational Management | Master of Science in Nursing | Doctorate in Nursing Practice
Dr. Chukwu has dedicated the past two decades to nursing education and leadership at the collegiate level, with a continued commitment to preparing future nursing professionals. Her distinguished career encompasses positions as a tenured nursing faculty member, clinical coordinator, nursing director, and healthcare consultant for an assisted living facility. Dr. Chukwu holds an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Organizational Management, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. In addition, she possesses certification from the National League for Nursing as a Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator.
Education: MBA
Melissa is a higher education professional dedicated to supporting students in achieving their educational and career goals. Her passion for student success is rooted in a strong belief in helping individuals recognize their potential and grow with purpose.
In her leadership role, Melissa focuses on transparent leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and developing high-performing teams aligned around student success. Prior to joining AZCN she has held executive leadership and admissions positions supporting enrollment and student outcomes.
Melissa is committed to continuous growth and to positively impacting the students and teams she serves.
Education: B.S. in Business Management, University of Phoenix
Prior to joining Arizona College in 2026, Adam worked as Admissions Manager/Lead for Pima Medical institute for almost 17 years. Moreover, in his 21 years in higher education, he has held positions that include: Associate Director of Admissions, Project Manager, and Admissions Representative. He is very passionate about helping people grow in life!
As Executive Director of Enrollment Services, Adam oversees campus operations, and the office of admissions.