Dr. Melinda Collins is an Associate Professor at Milligan University and holds several key leadership roles, including Ballad Health Chair of Nursing, Director of Nursing, and Associate Dean of the School of Sciences and Allied Health. She has been guiding Milligan’s Nursing program since 2000 and took on the role of Associate Dean in 2015. In these roles, Dr. Collins is responsible for supporting the leadership of the School of Sciences and Allied Health, while overseeing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Nursing curriculum. Her focus is on preparing graduates to provide exceptional, patient-centered care across a variety of settings and for patients of all ages.

Beyond her administrative and teaching duties, Dr. Collins is deeply committed to mentoring students and helping them grow into servant-leaders in healthcare. She integrates Milligan’s Christian mission into her work, encouraging students to develop both academically and spiritually. Dr. Collins finds great fulfillment in seeing her students and alumni live out Milligan’s mission of service and excellence in nursing.

Her research and professional achievements reflect her dedication to advancing the nursing field. She has been recognized as a Health Care Hero and received the Martha Rogers Award for Excellence in Nursing Research. She also serves in leadership roles at the national and state levels, including as a team leader for CCNE accreditation and past chair of the Tennessee Deans and Directors of Nursing.

Dr. Collins’ personal faith journey plays a vital role in her approach to both teaching and nursing. Inspired by Psalm 95:6-7, she finds strength and purpose in trusting God’s care, especially in the demanding field of healthcare. She believes that nursing is a way to serve others and participate in God’s ongoing work in the world.

Education:
BS, Nursing, Pensacola Christian College
MS, Nursing, Vanderbilt University
PhD, Nursing, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Clinical Work, Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center