Tara Augustine came to Arizona College of Nursing in June 2019 as Director of Campus Operations to open the Tampa Campus. With over 15 years in higher education management, she has led multi-department and multi-site operations for both domestic and international universities. As the Senior Executive Director of Enrollment Services, Augustine manages the daily administrative operations of the Admissions and Financial Aid Departments for both the Tampa and Sarasota Campus.
Education: MBA, Strayer University | BBA in Management, Strayer University
Clare Owen, Ph.D., RN, CNE was appointed Dean of Nursing at Arizona College, Sarasota, in January 2024. A native of Wales in the United Kingdom, Dr. Owen came to the U.S.A in 1992 as a Travel Nurse. After working in critical care units all over the country, Dr. Owen settled in Miami, eventually attending Barry University and completing a Master’s degree and Ph.D. She began her academic career as a professor in the UG nursing program at Barry University in 2009, moving up to Assistant Program Director in 2014. Dr. Owen was the recipient of the Melba Cather award for Excellence in Education from the Lambda Chi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. Prior to joining the Arizona College family, Dr. Owen served as the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing at St. Petersburg College, Florida, for five years.
Dr. Owen has presented at both state and national conferences on a number of topics including strategies for increasing the diversity of the nursing profession, designing and implementing a holistic admissions process, the experience of older nurses returning to formal education to complete a bachelor’s degree, and recruiting the next generation of nurses.
Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Nursing – Barry University | Masters of Science in Nursing (Ed) – Barry University | Bachelors of Science – University of Phoenix
Dr. Denise Rolle (she/her/hers) came to Arizona College of Nursing – Sarasota in 2023. Denise has over 14 years of experience in the postsecondary education field. In the past, Denise has served in instructional and leadership positions at Ultimate Medical Academy, Southeastern College, Concorde Career Institute, and Keiser University. Denise is looking forward to forging a rewarding relationship with her Arizona College of Nursing staff, faculty, and students.
Education: Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration, Northeastern University | M.Ed. in Teaching, Learning, and Assessments, National Louis University | B.S. in Biomedical Sciences, University of South Florida | B.S. in Microbiology, University of South Florida
Juan Bula brings over 25 years of experience to Arizona College of Nursing. He has held various academic leadership roles supporting student and faculty success, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating positive learning environments and mentorship. His work has contributed to program development, accreditation processes, and innovative teaching strategies.
Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, being near the water, exploring local Florida culture, and quality time with his family.
Education: General Business Administration & Management, DeSales University | General Business Administration & Management, Western Governors University
Prior to joining Arizona College, Leanne has been a nurse for over thirty years, including 24 years as a Nurse Practitioner with a primary focus on adult/geriatric population. Recently, she has served in corporate healthcare leadership roles, building her experience with establishing new locations and operations. Additionally, Leanne has over 16 years of experience as an adjunct nursing instructor.
In Leanne’s free time, she enjoys exercising, cooking, and spending time with her husband and family. She and her husband have three children between them along with three grandchildren.
Education: Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Carlow University | Masters of Science in Nursing, UNC at Greensboro | Bachelors of Science in Nursing, Waynesburg University
Dr. Tamara Poole joined Arizona College of Nursing in 2022. She has a 10-year history of teaching and serving in various leadership roles in nursing academics. Dr. Poole is passionate about student success and was instrumental in developing two student Success Coaching programs at former institutions. She also has extensive experience in simulation and interprofessional education, having built several successful programs in nursing education and in-patient healthcare settings.
Education: DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Belinda Hull brings over 20 years of experience in higher education to her leadership role at the Milwaukee campus of Arizona College of Nursing. With a bachelor’s degree in business management and currently pursuing her Master’s in Organizational Leadership, Belinda is deeply passionate about student advancement, from day one through graduation, and believes education builds a strong foundation for all walks of life.
Known for her energetic, goal-driven, and servant-leader approach, she is committed to empowering both students and staff. Outside of work, Belinda enjoys reading, running short marathons, and embracing any opportunity for self-improvement and healthy competition. A proud mother of three, she lives her values of resilience, growth, and lifelong learning in everything she does.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Business Management
Prior to joining Arizona College of Nursing, Dr. Tracey L. Murray began her career as an acute care nurse and then transitioned to the role of a Family Nurse Practitioner, nurse consultant, and entrepreneur. Through her professional journey she has always gravitated to teaching and learning with and among nursing students. With over 11 years of experience as a Dean of Nursing, including leading at Coppin State University and Unitek College, she has transitioned from the nurse to the role of adjunct faculty member to professor, academic dean, and director of the health center.
Tracey led the General Education subcommittee, curricular development and evaluation including assisting in the development of a BS degree in Health Sciences. She has led initiatives that foster ongoing systematic program evaluation and quality improvement, policy development, mentoring nurses, future nurses, and potential leaders, community engagement, strategic planning, and institutional advancement. In those roles, she led initiatives to support the growth and development of new deans as well as NCLEX success for students through achieving 100% faculty ATI Champions and 96% first-time pass rates.
Dr. Murray’s research and scholarship has focused on the relationship between teacher-centered and learner-centered principles. Her professional focus is working with vulnerable and underserved populations. Most recently, she traveled internationally with a team to improve the healthcare outcomes to vulnerable and displaced populations with a focus on vision screening, oral care, diabetes and hypertension. She is a Safra Fellow for Parkinson’s Disease and a Watson Caring Sciences Caritas Coach. Tracey’s passion for healthcare and education was formed from when she was a teenager assisting her grandmothers, who visited the sick and shut ins and did philanthropic work. Now, she is proud to use that passion to foster the Next Generation of Nurses.
Education: PhD in Education, Nursing Education, Capella University | Doctor of Nursing Practice, Chatham University | MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner, University of Miami | BSN, University of Florida
Sharen Lacayo came to Arizona College of Nursing – Tucson in 2019 after working in higher education. She has held several positions in education including Dean of Nursing. She brings over a decade of nursing experience in wide variety of settings. Her specialties include community, and behavioral health.
Dr. Lacayo has always been drawn to education, and loves helping students achieve their goals and dreams.
Education: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Chamberlain University | MSN-ED in Nursing Education, Grand Canyon University | BSN in Nursing, Brigham Young University
Dwight Young-Sang brought nearly two decades of experience in both career and traditional school management to Arizona College of Nursing. His journey in education began in 2005, when he made a bold move into the industry. Starting as an Admission Representative at a local college, Dwight quickly advanced to Senior Director of Admissions. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a long and dedicated career in education.