Academic Global Nursing Experiences

Webinar Overview

Interest in developing global health nursing programs for nursing education is increasing and even encouraged in many universities. Traditionally, study abroad programs and short term immersion activities have offered the only opportunity for students and faculty to be involved in global experiences across international borders. This Webinar will focus on the study abroad and short term experiences for students, exploring challenges and diverse opportunities for student engagement.

NOTE: This Webinar is only open to deans, faculty, staff and students from AACN member schools of nursing. 

Webinar Speakers

Jeanne Leffers, PhD, RN
Professor Emeritus
College of Nursing
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Jeanne Leffers, is Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. An educator for more than 30 years, Dr. Leffers taught nursing, sociology, environmental health and global health courses at the University of Rhode Island and at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Simmons College, a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Rhode Island and in sociology from Brown University, and a PhD in Sociology from Brown University. As a faculty member she was involved with curriculum development, program evaluation, diversity initiatives, service learning, international programs, sustainability, the development of graduate programs and as Graduate Program Director in nursing. Dr. Leffers has more than 20 years of experience in global health nursing in settings in the United States, Honduras, and Guatemala, serving with Health Volunteers Overseas in Uganda and as a faculty leader of academic service learning programs in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. She is co-author of Volunteering at Home and Abroad: Essential Guide for Nurses and co-editor of the book, Global Health Nursing: Building and Sustaining Partnerships. Dr. Leffers has been recognized for her work with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Drum Major Award among others. She currently serves on a number of boards and committees to advance global health and environmental health nursing and health.

Michele J. Upvall, PhD, RN, CRNP
Professor
Department of Nursing
Carlow University

Michele Upvall is a nursing professor at Carlow University. Global health has been the focus of Dr. Upvall’s teaching and research interest since the beginning of her nursing career. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree from Penn State University, and a PhD in Transcultural Nursing from the University of Utah. She also completed certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Arizona State University. She has studied the collaborative practices of nursing with indigenous healers in Swaziland and the Navajo Nation and at the local level, she worked with Somali refugee women in Pennsylvania. Also, she served as a nurse educator for Project HOPE in Swaziland and nursing education consultant in Zanzibar and Lebanon. During her tenure at Northern Arizona University Dr. Upvall developed and coordinated the first local BSN program for Navajo and Hopi students in Ganado, Arizona. She then traveled to the Aga Khan University School of Nursing in Karachi, Pakistan where she was the Director of the BSN and RN to BSN programs. She also facilitated the development of the first Masters of Nursing program in Pakistan, becoming director of the program. After 5 years in Pakistan, Dr. Upvall returned to the US to become Associate Dean of Nursing at Carlow University. She is co-editor of the book, Global Health Nursing: Building and Sustaining Partnerships. Most recently, she received the Spirit of Service award from Carlow University where her volunteer activities including her work with Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) in Bhutan, Cambodia, and Vietnam, was recognized.