Cathleen M. Deckers

Cathleen M. Deckers serves as Associate Director and Professor at the School of Nursing within the College of Health & Human Services at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). She has been a CSULB faculty member since 2005, achieving tenure in 2019 after 25 years as Vice President of Nursing Operations at Glendale Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center.

Education:

• Doctorate of Education in Educational Technology & Leadership, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA
• Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN), Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, CA
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Research Focus: Dr. Deckers pioneers innovative nursing education methodologies with emphasis on high-fidelity simulation systems, educational technology integration, and virtual/augmented reality applications. Her work critically examines pedagogical frameworks for online learning environments and evidence-based instructional design in healthcare education.

Scientific Recognition:

• Gail Johnson Simulation Accreditation Reviewer Award (2019) for integrity and leadership in SSH accreditation
• National League for Nursing Simulation Leader Scholar (2016)

Research Leadership: As Co-Principal Investigator for a $1 million OSHPD grant (2019-2021), she expanded psychiatric mental health workforce capacity in California's public systems. She holds key leadership roles including SSH Accreditation Council Member and Lead Site Reviewer, while advancing clinical simulation standards through INACSL and NLN.