The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers high-quality, experience-rich programs with outcomes focused on preparing students to be successful in a variety of in-demand healthcare professions.
A number of our programs have garnered regional and national recognition. Nursing and Health Sciences at Coastal Georgia are on the forefront of healthcare innovation and aim to provide education incorporating holistic care, patient advocacy, and collaborative practice.
Candidates maximize their experiential learning in public school, laboratory, and clinical settings based on their studies in the classroom. The affordable tuition, along with highly-qualified and engaged faculty, makes the College an easy choice for students looking to make an impact in the fields of Health Sciences and Nursing.
Completion of professional coursework includes internships, clinicals, and practicums, which provide supplemental knowledge beyond the classroom setting to prepare competent and caring professionals for the 21st Century. As you review the individual programs, you will learn more about the strength of our programs and success of our students. Our state-of-the-art facilities are an essential part of our hands-on teaching methodology, preparing students to thrive in their chosen professions.
Nursing and Health Sciences Majors and Degrees
Degrees
HEALTH SCIENCES (BS)
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EXERCISE SCIENCE
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HEALTH PROMOTION
RADIOLOGIC SCIENCE (AS)
Degrees
ASN (ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN NURSING)
BSN (PRE-LICENSURE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING)
RN TO BSN (BACHELOR’S DEGREE FOR LICENSED REGISTERED NURSES)
The College of Coastal Georgia offers bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as minors and certificates.
Nursing Programs Earn Continuing Accreditation
This eight-year continued accreditation is the highest decision that can be presented to a program. The decision demonstrates the quality of the nursing programs at the College of Coastal Georgia and sets the College up for continued excellence and growth in the nursing department.
-Dr. Lydia Watkins, Southeast Georgia Health System Distinguished Chair, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Gov. Kemp Appoints Dr. Lydia Watkins to Georgia Board of Nursing
My journey in nursing has been shaped by the compassion and resilience of both my colleagues and students. It’s a testament to what the collective efforts of our nursing community can do. Together, we will ensure a safe, competent nursing practice where nurses can thrive and feel supported.
Meet Our Faculty/Staff
Simulation Center
Hands-on learning that mirrors real clinical practice
The Simulation Center at Coastal Georgia immerses students in lifelike healthcare scenarios, building confidence and clinical skill before they enter real patient settings.
College Breaks Ground on $16M Expansion
Many of the clinical programs offered by the College of Coastal Georgia School of Nursing and Health Sciences require a clinical internship or practicum experience to fulfill degree requirements. Pursuant to the College’s legal agreements, participants in clinical experiences are required to abide by the workplace rules of the clinical site. Sometimes, these rules include vaccinations requirements. As always, the SONHS will continue to make every effort to place students at clinical sites. However, please be aware that we may be unable to locate a site to accept unvaccinated students, which may cause a delay or inability to progress and complete the program of study.
Contact Information:
Nichol James
James earned her Associate of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix.
Dr. Christine Brown
Assistant Professor of Health Science and
Anatomy & Physiology
Education
DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Shenandoah University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching interests center on preparing undergraduate students with the hands-on, applied skills necessary for success in healthcare and health-related professions. I primarily teach Anatomy & Physiology at the lower-division level and upper-division courses within the Health Sciences program, including Functional Anatomy and Exercise Testing & Prescription. My teaching emphasizes active, experiential, and clinically applied learning through laboratory-based skill development and service-learning partnerships that allow students to design and implement health promotion programming for the college and surrounding community. My scholarly interests focus on student-led research and applied scholarship, with an emphasis on mentoring students through the development, completion, and presentation of poster projects on self-selected topics. This work highlights undergraduate research, critical thinking, and professional development while reinforcing evidence-based practice in health and exercise science.
Dr. Kathryn Ostrander
Education
DAT in Athletic Training, A.T. Still University
MPH in Public Health, Bryan University
MSEd in Kinesiology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
BS in Kinesiology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching and research interests focus on the integration of exercise science, health promotion, and behavioral strategies to improve overall wellness and performance. I am particularly interested in exploring the physiological and psychological determinants of physical activity and how evidence-based interventions can foster sustainable health behavior change. Additionally, I support students in applying biomechanics and strength and conditioning principles through internships and in-the-field training to optimize human movement and enhance athletic performance.
Nicole Piercey
Education
B.S. in Radiologic Sciences, Georgia Southern University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
I love seeing students develop a love and understanding for a field that has a large variety of growth opportunities.
Ashleigh Spurlock
Program Director
Education
M.Ed. in Adult Education and Leadership, Georgia Southern University
B.S. in Radiologic Science, Armstrong State University
B.F.A. in Fibers, Savannah College of Art and Design
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
I am an educator and radiographer who is deeply passionate about true simulation-based learning and the power of dynamic laboratory experiences to transform clinical readiness. I design high-fidelity, immersive scenarios that push students to think critically, communicate clearly, and navigate the realities of patient care. My work blends radiography, nursing, and other disciplines to create realistic, interprofessional learning environments that prepare learners for the complexity of real world healthcare. My love for simulation is grounded in my own bedside practice. With a background in critical care imaging, pediatric radiography, and Level 1 trauma, I bring the pace, challenges, and decision making of high acuity settings directly into the classroom and lab. I believe students learn best when the training feels real, meaningful, and connected to the patients and teams they will serve, and that philosophy guides everything I create.
Podium Presentation
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2026
Simulating the Unexpected: A Multidisciplinary Travel Code Simulation Featuring Nursing and Radiography
International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2025
Advancing IPE: How to Integrate Radiography and Nursing Simulations for Stronger Clinical Collaboration
Healthy Simulation.com
Webinar
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2025
Advancing IPE: How to Integrate Radiography and Nursing Simulations for Stronger Clinical Collaboration
Healthy Simulation.com
Podium Presentation
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2025
Enhancing Collaboration Through Nursing and Radiography Simulations
National League of Nursing Education Summit
Podium Presentation
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2025
Implementing Independent and Interdisciplinary Simulations in Radiologic Science Curriculum
ASRT Education Symposium
Podium Presentation
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2025
Bridging Disciplines: Enhancing Interprofessional Collaboration through Nursing and Radiography Simulations
CANSim – Canadian Alliance of Nurse Educators Using Simulation
Podium Presentation
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N (Co-Presenters) 2025
Pioneering Simulation in Radiography: Bridging the Gap between Disciplines to Improve Patient Safety
College of Coastal Georgia Coastal Scholars Symposium, Brunswick, GA
Dr. Ashley Barnes
Program Coordinator for ASN, RN-BSN
Education
DNP in Nursing, Georgia College & State University
MSN in Nursing Education, Georgia Southwestern State University
BSN, RN-BSN, Georgia Southern University
ASN, College of Coastal Georgia
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Simulation, critical care or intensive care nursing, remediation and retention of nursing students, developing clinical judgment in nursing students
Robert Brant
Education
MSN, Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Walden University
BSN, College of Coastal Georgia
ASN, College of Coastal Georgia
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
I enjoy teaching the scope of care for the Adult Gerontology population, as well as skills needed for ASN and BSN practice.
Stacie Conley
Education
B.A. in Nursing, College of Coastal Georgia
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching interests center on developing nursing students’ clinical knowledge, competency, and critical thinking skills to prepare confident, practice-ready novice nurses. I am particularly focused on helping students apply classroom and textbook knowledge to real-world clinical situations, fostering the development of sound clinical judgment, and supporting the transition from student to professional nurse.
Dr. Nicole Fullard
Assistant Professor
Education
DNP in Nursing Practice, University of North Georgia
MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner, South University
BSN in Nursing, College of Coastal Georgia
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Dr. Fullard’s teaching and scholarly interests center on holistic nursing education with an emphasis on women’s health, palliative care, and fetal bereavement, with a strong focus on preparing students to provide compassionate, patient-centered care across the lifespan. Her work explores strategies to address compassion fatigue and prevent nurse burnout through proactive education, reflective practice, and supportive learning environments. Dr. Fullard is particularly interested in nursing pharmacology education and the integration of technology – including the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence – to enhance clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and NCLEX readiness among nursing students.
Dr. Fullard’s recent scholarly activities include the development and implementation of simulation-based learning experiences in end-of-life and perinatal loss care, curricular innovations aimed at improving student engagement and clinical judgment, and ongoing dissemination of educational strategies focused on resilience, communication, and technology-enhanced nursing education.
Dr. Laura Grantham
Assistant Professor
Education
DNP in Nursing Educational Leadership, Post University
MSN in Nursing, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Georgia Southern University, formerly Armstrong Atlantic State University
BSN in Nursing, Georgia Southern University, formerly Armstrong Atlantic State University
ASN in Nursing, College of Coastal Georgia, formerly Coastal Georgia Community College
LPN in Nursing, College of Coastal Georgia, formerly Brunswick College
Teaching and Research Interests/Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Nursing Leadership & Management
Ethics of Nursing Practice
Fundamentals of Nursing Care
Putting it All Together, combining nursing concepts for success.
Computer-based testing versus paper-based testing in an ASN program.
Kimberly Graw
Education
M.S. in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner, Frontier Nursing University
B.S. in Nursing, Armstrong Atlantic State University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Kimberly Graw’s teaching and research interests include Pediatrics and Maternal Child Care with a focus in Community and Rural Health Care.
Elizabeth Gregory
Education
Master of Nursing in Education, Capella University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Georgia Southern University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Experience in intensive care, long-term care, mental health, addiction, home health, and hospice care.
Recent publication includes, “How is visual learning transforming the way we teach in Health Education?” with Wooclap.
Alison Lawson
Education
Ed.D. in Education
Ed.S. in Higher Education Leadership
MSN in Nursing Education
BSN
ASN
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
CPR training, simulation practices in nursing education, food insecurity
Dr. Nevada LeCounte
Simulation Specialist
Education
DNP, University of North Georgia
MS, Rural Family Nursing-Nurse Educator Concentration, University of Central Missouri
BSN, Georgia College & State University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Dr. LeCounte’s teaching and scholarly work focus on the use of healthcare simulation to strengthen clinical judgment, interprofessional communication, and patient safety across nursing and allied health education. Her research interests include early recognition of clinical deterioration, end-of-life communication, curriculum-integrated simulation design, and the use of emerging technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence to enhance experiential learning.
Recent presentations, publications, and scholarly work:
LeCounte, N., & Spurlock, A. (2026). Simulating the Unexpected: A Multidisciplinary Travel Code Simulation Featuring Nursing and Radiography. International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare, San Antonio, Tx.
Spurlock, A., & LeCounte, N. (2025). Advancing IPE: How to Integrate Radiography and Nursing Simulation for Stronger Clinical Collaboration. Webinar, healthysimulation.com
LeCounte, N., & Spurlock, A. (2025). Enhancing Collaboration through Nursing and Radiography Simulations. National League for Nursing Education Summit, Orlando, FL
Spurlock, A. & LeCounte, N. (2025). Implementing Independent and Interdisciplinary Simulations in Radiologic Science Curriculum. American Society of Radiologic Technologists Educational Symposium, Reno, NV
LeCounte, N., & Spurlock, A. (2025). Bridging Disciplines: Enhancing Interprofessional Collaboration through Nursing and Radiography Simulations. Can-Sim 2025 Conference, Vancouver, BC
LeCounte, N., & Spurlock, A. (2025). Pioneering Simulation in Radiography: Bridging the Gap between Disciplines to Improve Patient Safety. College of Coastal Georgia Coastal Scholars Symposium, Brunswick, GA
LeCounte, N., Littlejohn, K. (2025). Active Learning: Big Impact with Little Resources. Health Science Technology Educators Association Winter Conference, Savannah, GA
LeCounte, N., & Garrett, J. (2024). Creating a Postpartum Hemorrhage. NLN Simulation Innovation Resource Center Home Grown Solutions website
LeCounte, N. (2024). Case Scenario Simulations to Prepare Students for Medication Administration Georgia Association for Nursing Education Conference, Buford, GA
LeCounte, N. (2024). A MEWS-Based Educational Intervention to Improve Clinical Judgment and Recognition of Clinical Deterioration in BSN Students. Georgia Association for Nursing Education Conference, Buford, GA
Kathryn Lee
Education
MSN in Nursing Education, United States University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, LaGrange College
Bachelor of Art in Psychological Sciences, LaGrange College
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
I am a nursing education faculty member with a strong focus on pediatric nursing and the preparation of future nurses to provide safe, compassionate, and family-centered care across a variety of settings. My teaching interests include pediatric health assessment, growth and development, school health, pediatric mental health, and clinical decision-making in children and adolescents. I am particularly passionate about experiential and community-based learning, integrating simulation, school nurse partnerships, and clinical rotations to support student competence and confidence. My scholarly interests include nursing education pedagogy, student clinical outcomes, pediatric health promotion, and community–academic partnerships, with ongoing scholarly activities related to curriculum development, program evaluation, and dissemination of best practices through presentations, collaborative projects, and professional engagement in nursing education organizations.
Kashawn Littlejohn
Littlejohn earned her Associate of Arts degree at South Georgia State College. Her certifications include Georgia Healthcare Financial Management Association – Certified Patient Account Representative.
Rebecca Long
Education
MSN in Nursing, Chamberlain College of Nursing
BSN in Nursing, Chamberlain College of Nursing
ASN in Nursing, University of the State of New York
LPN in Nursing, Trident Technical College
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Instructor for Health Assessment, Gerontology, Medical Surgical and Obstetrics for prelicensure nursing students. Interested in Women’s Health, Obstetrics, Gerontology, and safety in the healthcare environment. I am an AHA BLS and NRP instructor. I am certified in service-learning and a HIPPS ambassador at the College.
Dr. Nicole Masano
Education
DNP in Nursing, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University
Post-Master’s Certificate in Health Informatics, University of Illinois at Chicago
MSN in Maternal-Newborn Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago
BSN in Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My academic and professional focus centers on advancing community-based healthcare and maternal-newborn nursing through innovative, evidence-based practices. I am dedicated to improving health outcomes for mothers and infants by bridging the gap between clinical settings and community resources, ensuring equitable access to quality care. Furthermore, I am deeply committed to active engagement in teaching, employing student-centered pedagogical strategies that foster critical thinking and practical skill acquisition. By integrating my research into the classroom, I aim to inspire the next generation of nurses to become compassionate, skilled practitioners and advocates for public health.
Dr. Tara Mosher
Education
DNP Doctor of Nursing Practice, Georgia College and State University
MSN in Nursing Education, Georgia College and Southwestern University
BS in Nursing, San Diego State University
AS in Nursing, Clayton State College & University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Violence against nurses prevention, critical care nursing, public health
Chloe Mulkey
Education
M.S.N., Master’s degree in Nursing, Augusta University
B.S.F.C.S., Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Chloe Mulkey is a nursing instructor at the College of Coastal Georgia. She aspires to gain to her Doctorate Degree, and has a passion for teaching in the hospital setting as well as in the classroom and laboratory. She is incorporating dynamic experiences within the classroom such as creating case studies and hands-on content to facilitate critical thinking. She is interested in attending conferences that will allow her to delve deeper as an instructor and learn more ways to engage students with various learning styles in the nursing content.
Dr. Maryanne Sandberg
Student Success Counselor
Education
ASN in Nursing, Burlington County Community College (now Rowan University)
BSN in Nursing, University of Phoenix
MSN in Nursing Education, Western Governors University
Ed.D. in Nursing Education, University of West Georgia
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Dr. Sandberg’s teaching interests include Nursing Research, Pediatrics, and Nursing Theory. She is also the Student Success Coordinator for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Her research interests include student success, service-learning, and High Impact Practices in Education (HIPS). She co-authored Teaching Social Justice in Undergraduate Nursing Education: An Integrative Review with Dr. Annette Elliott, Ed.D., in 2021. She has completed a new textbook: Research & Statistics for Nurses: Weighing the Evidence for Practice, which is in pre-production.
Dr. Lydia Watkins
Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Associate Professor
Education
D.N.P. in Nursing, University of Alabama, Birmingham
M.S.N. in Nursing, University of Alabama, Birmingham
B.S.N. in Nursing, Samford University
A.S.N. in Nursing, Samford University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Nursing clinical practice, teaching and research areas of focus include pediatrics, pediatric hematology/oncology, pediatric hospice/palliative care. Academic focus areas of research center around service-learning’s benefits in the education and professional development of future nurses, as well as leadership development and methods to increase student success throughout academic programs.