Laurie Zack

Laurie Zack is an Associate Professor of Nursing and Associate Director of Nursing at the University of St. Francis, where she also serves as MSN Program Lead within the College of Health, Science & Technology. With two decades of higher education experience and nearly thirty years in clinical healthcare across pediatric, psychiatric mental health, primary care, family practice, and community health settings, she integrates extensive frontline expertise into academic leadership and student-centered pedagogy.

Her educational credentials include:

• EdD from National Louis University, Chicago, IL
• MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner from Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL
• MSN in Nursing Education from Benedictine University, Lisle, IL
• MA in Counseling Psychology from Lewis University, Romeoville, IL
• BSN in Nursing from University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL

Dr. Zack's research examines environmental determinants of health outcomes, resilience cultivation through growth mindset frameworks, leadership competency development for healthcare professionals, and immersive simulation methodologies in nursing education. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges clinical practice with educational innovation, emphasizing how ecological and psychological factors shape patient and provider well-being. This work directly informs her student mentorship philosophy focused on holistic professional growth.

Her distinguished service includes:

• American Nurses Association Expert Panel on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (2020-2022)
• HERS Institute Leadership Certification from Wellesley College (2018)
• Willenborg Civic Learning Academy Faculty Fellowship at Dominican University (2019-2023)

As MSN Program Lead and former accreditation liaison officer, Dr. Zack has spearheaded curriculum development and quality assurance initiatives while mentoring future nursing leaders through classroom, laboratory, and clinical instruction. Her administrative background as Director of Health Services and Associate Director of Health and Counseling Services demonstrates deep institutional leadership spanning program design, student support systems, and interdisciplinary collaboration across university health services.