Caroline McKinnon

Caroline McKinnon is an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Georgia, affiliated with the College of Nursing. She holds academic appointments in the Department of Biobehavioral Nursing, the Doctorate of Nursing Practice Program, and the Department of Prelicensure Nursing. She also serves in The Graduate School in an administrative capacity. Her work bridges clinical psychiatric nursing with academic leadership in nursing education.

• Ph.D., Medical College of Georgia, 2013
• MSN, University of Virginia, 2002
• BSN, Boston College, 1986

Dr. McKinnon's research and teaching focus on psychiatric nursing, with specialized expertise in child and adolescent mental health, suicide prevention, psychopharmacology, and nursing theory. Her scholarship explores parental involvement in mental health services, substance use education for nursing students, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences. She integrates clinical insights into her academic work, emphasizing evidence-based practice and mental health policy.

Her recent publications span topics such as substance use disorders, weight management in veterans with mental illness, and the use of technology in rural mental health care. These works reflect a consistent theme of improving access to and quality of mental health services through education, policy, and clinical innovation.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• 1st Place Education/Teaching Pedagogy Poster Award, International Society of Psych-Mental Health Nurses, 2017
• Excellence in Mentorship Award, Sigma Theta Tau International, 2017
• Invited Member, Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, 2014
• Invited Member, Golden Key International Honor Society, 2013
• Research Grant, Sigma Theta Tau Beta Omicron Chapter, 2013

Dr. McKinnon is actively engaged in academic service and mentorship. She has served on numerous committees related to nursing research, diversity and inclusion, academic policy, and suicide prevention. She has advised nursing students and contributed to curriculum development, particularly in psychiatric and DNP programs. She has received grant support for her research and continues to influence nursing practice through scholarly activity and professional leadership.

She is involved in professional organizations such as the International Society of Psychiatric Nurses (ISPN), where she has served as Secretary and chaired the Marketing & Development Committee. She also contributes as a reviewer for journals including the Western Journal of Nursing Research and Perspectives in Psychiatric Care.