School of Nursing & Health Science programs at Coastal Georgia come with:
State-of-the-Art lab and simulation facilities
Above national averages on licensure and registry exams
>95% job placement rates
Welcome to Health Sciences at the College of Coastal Georgia!
To apply to the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, you need to first apply and be admitted to the College of Coastal Georgia. To begin that process, click here.
Once you have been accepted to the College, you will have access to the School of Nursing and Health Sciences application. Navigate to the portal and click “Student Forms,” then “Program Application Forms.” There, you will see the “Fall 2022 – Nursing Application.” This year, there is only one application regardless of your program choice. You will select your program choice during the application process.
The Department of Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with concentrations in Health Promotion and Exercise Science, as well as an Associate in Radiologic Sciences.
There is a wide variety of career fields to choose from with this degree, including but not limited to physician assistant, occupational therapy assistant, physical therapy assistant, entry-level nutrition and dietetics, health promotion assistant, athletic or personal trainer, health services coordinator, patient advocate, recreation therapist, community health consultant, therapeutic exercise specialist, and health and wellness coordinator.
Still have questions? Fill out the form below, and an Admissions counselor will be in touch with you soon!
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Meet Our Faculty/Staff
School of Nursing & Health Science programs at Coastal Georgia come with:
State-of-the-Art lab and simulation facilities
Above national averages on licensure and registry exams
>95% job placement rates
Contact Information:
Taylor Loewen
Part-time Instructor, Health Sciences
Education
B.S. in Kinesiology, Campbell University
M.S. in Kinesiology, Georgia Southern University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching and research interests revolve around blending program design, exercise science, and biomechanics to benefit both athletic, non-athletic, pregnant, and postpartum populations.
Brandon Loewen
Part-time Instructor, Health Sciences
Education
M.S. in Exercise Science, Georgia Southern University
B.S. in Exercise Science, Georgia Southern University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching interests include integrating exercise science and health education into improving health and performance. My research interests revolve around how to apply strength and conditioning, human psychology, and health coaching to improve health and performance in both athletic and non-athletic populations.
John Koshuta
Part-time Instructor, Health Sciences
Education
Ph.D. in Health & Human Performance, Concordia University-Chicago
M.A. in Health Sciences, University of Alabama
B.S. in Exercise Science & Health Promotion, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
B.A. in Journalism, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching interests include sports nutrition, sports psychology, and strength and conditioning.
Mark Cebul
Part-time Instructor, Health Sciences
Education
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Augusta University
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Georgia Southern University
Bachelor of Science (BS), Exercise Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Bachelor of Science (BS), Physics, Davidson College
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching interests focus on health sciences, evidence-based practice, and the development of critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. I emphasize helping students evaluate information rigorously, question assumptions, and apply scientific and analytical thinking to real-world health and professional contexts.
My scholarly interests include healthcare systems, professional values, and organizational factors influencing outcomes in clinical environments. In November 2018, I co-presented the research project, “Impact of Social Responsibility Values on Employee Satisfaction in Physical Therapy Outpatient Practice,” at the Meeting of the Southern Management Association in Lexington, KY.
Ray Thornton
Radiologic Science Clinical Instructional Asst.
Education
B.A. in General Studies, Auburn University at Montgomery
M.H.S. in Health Sciences/Education, Armstrong Atlantic State University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
In the Radiologic Sciences discipline, my teaching preference concerns the sciences, e.g., rad physics, rad bio, rad safety. My experience includes rad procedures, intro to radiography, A&P, patient care, medical terminology. I followed the thesis tract, working towards my MHS degree. My thesis hypothesis: There is a significant difference in the level of health for retirees who choose to retire vs. retirees who do not choose to retire. I employed the Tennessee Self Concept Scale instrument, given to the retirees of the city of Montgomery, Alabama, to include: law enforcement, fire department, sanitation, and maintenance. (1989)
Ashleigh Spurlock
Lecturer of Radiologic Science
Program Director
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
Nicole Piercey
Radiologic Science Clinical Instructional Asst.
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.
Dr. Christine Brown
Program Coordinator, Health Sciences
Assistant Professor of Health Science and
Anatomy & Physiology
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
Assistant Professor of Health Science
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.
Janet Irvine
Academic Services Coordinator, Nursing and Health Sciences
Alison Lawson
Lecturer of Nursing
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
Rebecca Long
Lecturer of Nursing
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.
Stacie Conley
Nursing Clinical Lecturer
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.
Robert Brant
Nursing Clinical Coordinator & Lecturer
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.
Dr. Lydia Watkins
Southeast Georgia Health System Distinguished Chair
Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Associate Professor
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.
Kimberly Graw
Lecturer of Nursing
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.
Dr. Nicole Fullard
Lecturer of Nursing
Assistant Professor
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.
Elizabeth Gregory
Lecturer of Nursing
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.
Kathryn Lee
Lecturer of Nursing
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.
Chloe Mulkey
Lecturer of Nursing
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. Ashley Barnes
Associate Professor of Nursing
Program Coordinator for ASN, RN-BSN
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
Dr. Maryanne Sandberg
Associate Professor of Nursing
Student Success Counselor
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. Tara Mosher
Assistant Professor of Nursing
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
Dr. Nicole Masano
BSN Program Coordinator
Professor of Nursing
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.
Kashawn Littlejohn
Nursing & Health Sciences Program Specialist
Littlejohn earned her Associate of Arts degree at South Georgia State College. Her certifications include Georgia Healthcare Financial Management Association – Certified Patient Account Representative.
Dr. Nevada LeCounte
Associate Professor of Nursing
Simulation Specialist
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
Dr. Laura Grantham
Assistant Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences
Assistant Professor
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.
