Dr. Jenny Lucy is proud to have been a nurse for 29 years and a nursing professor for the past 15 years. She has dedicated her career to the field of nursing education and is currently the Dean of Nursing at the Fort Lauderdale Campus of Arizona College of Nursing.
Throughout her career, Dr. Lucy has held various positions in different nursing specialties, including Med Surg, Telemetry critical care, behavioral health and psychiatric care, and Leadership. Prior to joining the Arizona College of Nursing , she served as an Area Nurse Manager with the Federal Government, overseeing 17 clinics in 7 states. Dr. Lucy’s diverse experience has provided her with a well-rounded perspective on the nursing profession.
Dr. Lucy is a passionate advocate for fair educational opportunities and believes in providing respect and support to all students. She is committed to promoting student participation in the local community and encourages service and volunteerism among her students. Dr. Lucy looks forward to the contributions she will continue to make in shaping the future of nursing professionals.
Education: Doctorate in Nursing Practice, American Sentinel University | Masters in Education, The Open University | BSN, South Bank University
Prior to joining Arizona College in 2025, Tia served as the Director of Special Education for a large urban school district in Maryland. With over 25 years of experience in education, her prior experiences include being a middle school teacher and department chair, an instructional specialist, and a supervisor in the K-12 public school system. Tia’s educational journey began at Towson University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary English and Special Education. She continued her academic pursuits at McDaniel College, obtaining a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Administration and a doctorate in Teaching and Learning from Argosy University.
As the Dean of General Education, Tia provides oversight of the general education curriculum and faculty and leads student retentions initiatives.
Education: Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning , Argosy University | M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, McDaniel College | B.S. in Secondary English & Special Education, Towson University
Prior to joining Arizona College in 2022, Dr. Weir served in various academic roles in baccalaureate, associate degree, traditional, and accelerated nursing programs. She has been Assistant Professor and Interim Chairperson of an undergraduate nursing program. Dr. Weir was recognized by students as ‘Best Classroom Teacher’ multiple consecutive years while at Howard University. She is a Certified Nurse Educator who excels in mentoring faculty members and modeling best teaching strategies to facilitate student success. She enjoys leading teams to exceed regulatory and accreditation standards.
As Dean of Nursing, Dr. Weir oversees operationalizing the curriculum and ensures the college’s vision, mission, and values are foundational elements in guiding decision making and actions.
Education: PhD in Nursing Education, University of Northern Colorado | MS in Nursing Education, Hampton University | BSN, Howard University
Kevin T. Gore came to Arizona College of Nursing – Falls Church in 2021 after serving as the Director of Admissions at Maryland University of Integrative Health. Prior to that position, he spent almost a decade as the Director of Admissions at Chamberlain University. He is a higher education leader with over 12 years of expertise in recruitment and marketing, dedicated to achieving institutional goals and delivering a superior customer service experience.
As the Executive Director of Enrollment Services, Kevin oversees the establishment, implementation, and monitoring of standards in the administrative departments including, admissions, financial aid and student facing services such as admission coordinator and front desk.
Education: Bachelors of Arts, Spanish – Bethune-Cookman University
Dr. Kevin Serra started at Arizona College of Nursing in June of 2024. Prior to Arizona College of Nursing he conducted research into early musculoskeletal development at Wesleyan University. His research provides insights into the relationship between the early muscles and the adult skeleton that contribute to the current understanding of human spinal disease.
Dr. Serra brings years of experience as a lab manager and lecturer in higher education. He is dedicated to the success of students and eager to ensure students receive the most from the General Education program at Arizona College of Nursing.
Education: Ph.D. in Biology, Wesleyan University | B.S. in Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut
Renea joined Arizona College of Nursing in June 2023. She was born and raised in Hartford, CT. She is the first in her family to obtain a college degree, and is also first-generation American in her family. Renea attended Southern Connecticut State University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2020 and her Master of Science in Sociology in 2022. While working on her undergraduate degree, she worked as a Success Navigator for the Academic Success Center until eventually becoming the Success Navigator Coordinator in the Orientation, Transition, and Family Engagement office on campus. Upon graduation, she worked as the AmeriCorps VISTA for Southern’s University Access Programs department where she developed the university’s first family engagement program for first-generation students. It was through these experiences, in addition to her own personal college experiences, that Renea developed the passion to work with students, providing them with a variety of resources to ensure their overall success as they pursue their college degree.
As BSN Program Manager, Renea monitors and assists students as they progress in their BSN journey, from the moment they are accepted to receiving their degree and entering the workforce. She is excited to be a part of the AZCN family, as we strive to nurture and introduce the next generation of nurses who will positively contribute to our healthcare system, as well as our overall society
Education: Associate of Science, Liberal Arts & Science – Manchester Community College | Bachelor of Arts, Psychology – Southern Connecticut State University | Master of Science, Sociology – Southern Connecticut State University
Dr. Amanda Bell is a seasoned healthcare executive, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and academic leader with over 15 years of experience. Passionate about nursing education, Dr. Bell is dedicated to shaping the next generation of nurses by fostering critical thinking, clinical excellence, empathy, and resilience.
Early in her career as a nurse, she witnessed the profound impact that strong leadership has on patient outcomes and healthcare environments. This experience inspired a commitment to not only improving healthcare systems through operational excellence but also empowering future nurses through education.
With a background that bridges clinical practice, leadership, and process improvement, Amanda leverages expertise in Lean methodologies to drive efficiency and quality in healthcare. Through teaching and mentorship, she strives to instill a deep sense of purpose and leadership in nursing students, ensuring they are equipped to excel as both caregivers and change agents in healthcare.
Education: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Grand Canyon University | Master of Science, Nursing, Saint Joseph University | Bachelor of Science, Nursing, Saint Joseph University
Tamara Mitchell-Davis joins Arizona College of Nursing – Hartford with over a decade of experience in higher education, leadership, and family and community engagement. Before joining the college, she served as Assistant Director in the Hartford Public School System, where she supervised a team of more than 35 staff members and led initiatives to enhance family engagement and strengthen community partnerships. She was instrumental in coordinating professional development programs for staff, fostering collaboration, and implementing strategies aligned with organizational goals.
As a seasoned professional and adjunct professor, Tamara has taught business courses and first-year experience classes in diverse settings, including in-person, online, and within the Department of Corrections.
As Dean of General Education, Tamara is dedicated to the success of students and is eager to ensure they receive the most from the General Education program at Arizona College of Nursing. She is excited to bring her dedication and expertise to the college as a passionate advocate for education and a champion for student success.
Education: Master of Business Administration, University of Phoenix | Bachelor of Science in Business Management, University of Phoenix | Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts, Capital Community College
Theresa Tuttle came to Arizona College of Nursing – Chesapeake in 2024 as the Dean of General Education. Her background includes a Master of Arts degree in Clinical/Community Psychology from Norfolk State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology/Sociology from the University of Virginia at Wise. She has more than 23 years experience working in higher education.
Education: Master of Arts in Clinical/Community Psychology, Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Psychology/Sociology from the University of Virginia at Wise
Prior to joining Arizona College in 2022, Dr. DeFinis served as the Campus Director at Carrington College, Boise Campus. Dr. DeFinis has been working with children, athletes, coaches, teams, leaders, and organizations for over twenty years while consistently leveraging optimal performance strategies into success stories. He has a diversified background with extensive experience in education, nonprofit leadership, law enforcement, and behavior analysis. Dr. DeFinis has also served on the Board of Directors for several organizations that promote literacy initiatives, workforce development solutions, and educational opportunities. Dr. DeFinis believes in a student centric approach to operations where service excellence is the primary focus.
As Senior Campus President, Dr. DeFinis oversees the day-to-day operational execution and outcomes for the campus academic team.
Education: Ed.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership, Argosy University