Prior to joining Arizona College of Nursing in 2023, Alyssa served in academic and registrar operations for Adtalem Global Education driving continuous process improvements where she incorporated initiatives to increase efficiency and streamlined operations for the organization. Moreover, she has served as a Student Success Advisor where she assessed students’ unique needs while helping them reach their full potential through actionable paths steps. She is also a veteran of the United States Navy where she was commended and awarded for her exceptional leadership during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alyssa has a diversified background with extensive experience in higher education and business operations and is committed to student success.
As Academic Records Manager, Alyssa provides data support to campus leadership and assists with the logistical guidance of student movement through the BSN program.
Education: Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration/ Educational Leadership, Liberty University | M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning, Liberty University | B.S in Interdisciplinary Studies, Maranatha University
Kim Jensen joined Arizona College of Nursing in 2022, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in higher education leadership. In her current role as Assistant Campus President, she leads academics, facilities, and student success, ensuring a student-centered and excellence-focused academic environment.
Kim holds a Master of Science in Management & Leadership from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from American InterContinental University. She is passionate about student success, organizational culture, and leadership development, striving to create an empowering and innovative campus experience.
Education: Master of Science, Management & Leadership, Western Governors University | B.B.A., Business Administration and Management, American InterContinental University
Katie was born in South Africa and pursued her studies in Education Management at the North-West University and the University of South Africa. She also holds an MBA from Independence University in Salt Lake City, UT. Over her 28-year career in education management, Katie has worked across various educational levels, from elementary to high school, including remedial English education. She has also held positions such as Dean of Education at CollegeAmerica, Director of Education at IBMC College in Fort Collins, and Campus President for IBMC College in Greeley, CO.
Katie is known for her leadership style that emphasizes teamwork and collaboration. She encourages staff and faculty to work together to align with our institution’s mission and vision. Her approachability, professionalism, and fairness have been key to fostering better working relationships, enhancing student satisfaction, and improving academic outcomes. Katie is dedicated to making everyone feel welcome and valued, regardless of their background.
As the Dean of General Education, Katie oversees faculty and students in the general education courses of our BSN program.
Education: M.Ed. in Education Management, University of South Africa | M.B.A., Independence University
Dr. Kathryn Palermo is an accomplished nursing educator, researcher, and leader. With over 15 years of experience in healthcare and nursing education, she is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, clinical competency, and student success.
Prior to this role, she served as the BSN Program Director at Colorado Christian University, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing student outcomes, including a 15% increase in NCLEX pass rate. Her expertise spans medical-surgical, orthopedic, neurological, and geriatric nursing.
Dr. Palermo has contributed to nursing scholarship, publishing in respected nursing journals on topics including new graduate nurse turnover and strategies to improve retention and transition to practice, reflection in nursing practice, Highly Reliable Organizations (HROs), and virtual reality in nursing simulation.
She has presented at national and regional conferences on innovative nursing education strategies and serves on multiple professional boards, including the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society and the Colorado Early Colleges Healthcare Pathways Advisory Board.
As the Dean of Nursing she will provide strategic leadership, support faculty development, and promote research and partnerships within the Front Range community.
Education: Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences | MSN Leadership and Management, Western Governors University | BSN, University of Colorado
Shawntel Toliver joined Arizona College of Nursing in 2023 bringing more than Thirteen years of experience in Higher Education to the team. Shawntel previously served in a role Assistant Director of Admissions where her focus was on delivering exceptional student service and positive educational outcomes.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is passionate about student success, organizational culture and providing mentorship to her on-campus team. Shawntel serves as Executive Director of Enrollment Services for the Aurora campus.
Education: BA, Business Administration
With more than 15 years of experience in higher education and a decade dedicated to nursing education, Dr. Watkins has a strong foundation in academic leadership and student success initiatives. She has held key leadership roles including Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Teaching and Learning, and Dean of General Education—each position strengthening her commitment to supporting both students and faculty in meaningful ways.
In her current role as Dean of General Education, Dr. Watkins focuses on empowering the entire campus community by fostering collaborative, student-centered strategies that help both learners and educators thrive.
Education: PsyD in Human and Organizational Psychology, Touro University Worldwide | M.A. in Education, University of Phoenix | B.S. in Psychology, University of Utah
Candice helped launch the Salt Lake City campus for Arizona College of Nursing in 2020 and is a dedicated Higher Education professional with 15 years of experience in Enrollment Services, specializing in the healthcare industry. Since joining Arizona College of Nursing, she has played a key role in driving student enrollment and supporting student success. Passionate about education, Candice finds great joy in helping students achieve their goals and dreams. Originally from the Texas Hill Country, she moved to Utah in 2013 and continues to make a meaningful impact in higher education.
Education: MBA, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations – Independence University BBA, Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration – Independence University
Teri joined Arizona College of Nursing in April 2023. She has worked in higher education administration for over twenty years and has held positions focused on Admissions, Enrollment Services, Academic Operations, Advising, Financial Aid, and Marketing. Previously, Teri worked as the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, at Snow College and as the Senior Associate Director of Admissions Operations at the University of Utah.
With a focus on student success, Teri is passionate about education and finding ways for students to achieve their educational dreams.
Education: MPA in Higher Education Administration, Southern Utah University | B.A. In Spanish, Utah State University
Prior to joining Arizona College in 2022, Dr. Tatum served as the External Field Instructor for the Master of Social Work program at USC for 7 years. She has also worked within academic leadership roles at DeVry University, Ivy Bridge Insitute in Bejing, China and The Los Angeles Film School where she provided leadership for the offices of Academic Affairs and Student Succes.
As Dean of General Education, Dr. Tatum oversees Gen. Ed. academic operations of the campus, faculty training and development, student support and engagement.
Education: Psy.D., Organizational Management & Consulting @ Philips Graduate Insitute | MSW, Community Organization & Planning Administration @ USC | BA, Psychology @ California State University Northridge
Matthew Gibbs came to Arizona College of Nursing – Tucson in 2019. Matthew has served in various leadership roles in education for over a decade, that include; admissions, career services, marketing, and campus operations. Matthew was drawn to education so he could work in a field that makes a positive impact on the community, while helping people to achieve their educational goals.
As Executive Director of Enrollment Services, Matthew oversees the daily operations of the campus and student admissions.
Education: BA in Marketing, University of Phoenix