Meet Our Faculty - SURA College

Meet Our Faculty

Meet your faculty

The educators behind Sura’s MSN Nurse Educator program.

Our faculty bring decades of graduate teaching, scholarship, accreditation leadership, and clinical practice to every course.

Dr. Janice Unruh Davidson
Executive Dean of Nursing

Dr. Janice Unruh Davidson

PhD, DrPH(c), DNP, RN-BC, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAANP, FNAP

Dr. Davidson brings more than 35 years of experience in graduate nursing education, academic leadership, advanced practice nursing, and accreditation. A nationally recognized nurse educator and Fellow of both the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) and the National Academies of Practice (FNAP), she is also an Academy of Nursing Education Fellow (ANEF). She has held faculty and leadership positions at Chamberlain University, Walden University, Mississippi University for Women, Fort Hays State University, Purdue University, and Sura College, and has authored numerous scholarly publications, textbook chapters, accreditation self-studies, and nationally recognized online courses.

Dr. Megan Kirschner

Dr. Megan Kirschner

DNP, MSN, RN

A nurse educator with extensive experience teaching across RN, BSN, MSN, and DNP programs in both classroom and online settings, with faculty appointments at Joyce University, South College, Aspen University, Southern New Hampshire University, Arizona College of Nursing, Chamberlain University, and Mesa Community College. Her background spans doctoral preparation, master’s degrees in nursing education and informatics, and extensive curriculum development.

Dr. Ami Bhatt

Dr. Ami Bhatt

PhD, DNP, MBA, RN

More than a decade of graduate nursing faculty experience in MSN and DNP programs at Post University and Capella University, specializing in evidence-based practice, research, advanced nursing concepts, and role development. An active member of the ANA, NLN, HPNA, and Sigma Theta Tau International, her teaching emphasizes scholarly inquiry and professional leadership.

Dr. Ellen L. Poole

Dr. Ellen L. Poole

PhD, RN, CPAN, CNE, FASPAN

More than three decades in nursing education, teaching across BSN, MSN, and doctoral programs at Chamberlain University, South College, Grand Canyon University, and Kaplan University. A Certified Nurse Educator and Fellow of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses, she has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and served on research, curriculum, and accreditation committees.

Dr. Luba Ivanov

Dr. Luba Ivanov

PhD, FAAN

A nationally recognized nursing scholar and Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing with extensive experience in graduate nursing education, health policy, and nursing theory. She has taught BSN, MSN, MPH, and PhD students at UNC Greensboro, the University of Virginia, Purdue University, Chamberlain University, and Sura College.

Dr. Cynthia Olson

Dr. Cynthia Olson

DNP, RN, BCFNP, CNE

A Certified Nurse Educator and academic leader who has served as a nursing dean, faculty member, curriculum developer, and program administrator at Riverland Community College, Augsburg University, Southern New Hampshire University, Carrington College, Mesa Community College, and Sura College. She earned her DNP from Winona State University.

Dr. Kezia Lilly

DNP, MSN, MBA HC, BSN

More than 15 years as a nurse educator and academic administrator, with deep expertise in graduate nursing education and distance learning. She has taught in MSN programs at Cox College, Southwest Baptist University, Chamberlain University, and Sura College, and earned her DNP in Educational Leadership from Case Western Reserve University.

Dr. Valda Upenieks

Dr. Valda Upenieks

PhD, MPH, RN, NEA-BC

An accomplished nurse executive, educator, and researcher who serves as Director of Nursing Practice, Magnet & Innovation for Froedtert Health. A board-certified nurse executive, she has taught graduate nursing and public health students at Chamberlain University, the University of California, and Sura College.