Carolyn Rutledge

Carolyn Rutledge is a Professor and Eminent Scholar at Old Dominion University's Ellmer School of Nursing, where she serves as Associate Chair of Nursing and Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (APN) program. She is also Co-Director of the Center for Telehealth Innovation, Education, and Research (C-TIER), with a 32-year practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Her work focuses on telehealth education, nurse-led clinics for underserved populations, and interprofessional collaboration.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Urban Studies/Health Services, Old Dominion University (2001)
• M.S. in Family Nurse Practitioner, Old Dominion University (1988)
• B.S. in Nursing, Medical College of VA (1979)

Research Interests center on telehealth, interprofessional education, and access to care for rural and vulnerable populations. Her grants emphasize technology-driven solutions for health disparities and simulation-based cultural competency training. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), reflecting her national leadership in nursing innovation.

Scientific Awards & Recognitions:

• 2014 SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award (Virginia)
• 2014 Top 15 NP Faculty in the U.S.
• 2007 Gene W. Hirschfeld Faculty Excellence Award
• 2004 ODU School of Nursing Faculty Award

Rutledge has secured over $6 million in federal grants, including projects like "APN Place: A Telehealth Network" and "Training DNP Providers in Health Technology." Her work bridges clinical practice, education, and policy, with a focus on empowering nurses to address systemic healthcare gaps.