Alice Jacobs Vestergaard

Alice Vestergaard serves as an Instructor at Samuel Merritt University, teaching the RN to BSN program and GENED 490: Humanities and the Human Condition. With over 20 years of global experience across academic and community settings, she specializes in multicultural and multigenerational health initiatives, including leadership in California health committees and international cultural exchanges promoting peace through music.

Her educational credentials include:

• Ed.D. in Higher Education Health Care from Nova Southeastern University
• MBA in Marketing from National University
• MS in Health Science Teaching from San Francisco State University
• MA in Theater Arts from UCLA

Dr. Vestergaard's research centers on gerontology, Domotics (home automation for elderly care), and immigrant health, where she is a recognized leader. She investigates resilience in ACEs-affected populations, healing arts across the lifespan, Caritas processes, and healthcare workforce diversification, bridging complementary medicine with community health interventions for vulnerable groups.

Analysis of her 2017-2022 publications reveals consistent focus on technology-human services integration, workforce mental health crises, and trauma-informed educational practices. Her work demonstrates innovative applications of Caritas processes in ACEs-impacted schools and community-nursing partnerships, linking gerontology with practical solutions for aging populations.

Her scientific contributions are honored by awards including:

• Friend of Nursing Leadership Award, Association of California Nurse Leaders (2020)
• Cornelius Hopper Diversity Excellence Award, Samuel Merritt University (2019)
• Spirit Award, American Cancer Society San Diego (2010)
• Silver Award, National Health Information Awards (2008)
• Mature Media Award, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (2006)

No formal student advising or research grant activities beyond her teaching responsibilities are documented in the provided materials.