Elizabeth Speakman

Elizabeth Speakman is the Senior Associate Dean and Professor at the University of Delaware's School of Nursing. She previously held roles as Associate Provost for Interprofessional and Telehealth Education at the University of the Sciences and leadership positions at Thomas Jefferson University, including Co-Director of the Jefferson Interprofessional Education Center. Her expertise spans nursing education, interprofessional collaboration, and healthcare leadership.

Education:

• Ed.D., Columbia University Teachers College (2000), Dissertation: "The Phenomenon of Attachment between Faculty and Students and Its Effect on Self-Empowerment"
• M.Ed., Columbia University Teachers College (1985)
• BSN, Wagner College (1980)

Research & Interests: Dr. Speakman focuses on interprofessional education (IPE), nursing curriculum innovation, community health, and clinical leadership. She has authored/co-authored books like Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice: Creating a Blueprint for Nurse Educators and over 50 peer-reviewed articles. Her work emphasizes teamwork in healthcare delivery and addressing nursing workforce challenges.

Grants & Funding:

• Principal Investigator for a $4.6M Department of Labor Nursing Expansion Grant (2023)
• Lead on multiple NIH-funded projects addressing nursing education and clinical training

Awards & Recognition:

• 2014 Louise McManus Medal & Columbia University Nursing Hall of Fame
• Fellowships in American Academy of Nursing, National Academies of Practice, and Academy of Nursing Education
• 2025 Delaware Today Top Nurses Honorable Mention

Initiatives: Spearheaded Jefferson's Interprofessional Education Center and led national IPE initiatives. Currently drives workforce development programs like the E-NOD grant to address Delaware's nursing educator shortage.