Kelly Collins

Kelly Collins is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nursing at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). She holds a PhD from the University of Phoenix and has over 18.5 years of teaching experience at HPU, transitioning from an adjunct to a full-time instructor in 2009.

• Education:
  • PhD, University of Phoenix
  • MSN, University of Hawaii-Manoa
  • MSA, Central Michigan University
  • BSN, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Her research and teaching focus on Gerontology and Mental Health, emphasizing stigma reduction and quality care improvement for older adults. She also advocates for enhancing nursing education through Evidence-Based Practice and leadership training.

Professionally, Kelly presented at the Global Virtual Summit on Healthcare and Management in London, addressing knowledge and attitude differences in nursing programs related to gerontology. Her doctoral dissertation, currently under revision for publication in Gerontological Nursing, aligns with these interests.

Courses Taught:

• NUR 3730: Mental Health Nursing
• NUR 3731: Mental Health Nursing Clinical
• NUR 4710: Gerontological Nursing
• NUR 3710: Evidence-Based Practice and Leadership

Kelly is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and has worked extensively in mental health and gerontology nursing, both clinically and academically, after serving 11 years in the Army Nurse Corps active duty and 2.5 years in the Reserve.