Caralise W. Hunt

Dr. Caralise W. Hunt serves as Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Auburn University, bringing over twenty years of clinical nursing expertise to her academic leadership since joining the faculty in 2000. Her career progression from clinical associate to full Professor in 2023 reflects sustained contributions to nursing education and research.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy, University of Alabama at Birmingham (2011)
• Master of Science in Nursing, Troy University (1996)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Auburn University (1991)

Hunt's research centers on diabetes self-management innovation through technological solutions and nursing education advancement. She specializes in curriculum development for RN-BSN programs, clinical judgment assessment, and adult health nursing, with particular focus on improving healthcare access for rural and underserved populations through evidence-based educational strategies.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: technology-enhanced diabetes management (especially mobile interventions), systematic development of clinical judgment competencies across nursing curricula, and innovative recruitment approaches for underrepresented groups in healthcare research.

Her grant portfolio demonstrates significant funding success:

• Nurse Faculty Loan Program Partnerships ($61,117) addressing faculty shortages
• STEP Into Nursing Summer Bridge Programs ($154,325 total) supporting underrepresented students
• Auburn Intramural Grant ($23,133) studying diabetes in couples
• Clinical Judgment Assessment Grants ($18,000) with colleagues Noll and Jones
• Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses Grant ($5,000) for iPad diabetes education

As Associate Dean, Hunt mentors faculty and students while leading curriculum development initiatives, notably through the STEP program which has demonstrably improved outcomes for nursing students from diverse backgrounds through structured academic support systems.