Melanie Best

Dr. Melanie Best serves as Assistant Professor, Assistant Chair, and Graduate Coordinator within the Department of Nursing and Health Professions at Pennsylvania Western University, where she has taught undergraduate and postgraduate nursing courses since 2017. Her leadership encompasses curriculum development and academic oversight for nursing programs.

Her educational foundation includes a BSN and MSN-CPNP from the University of Pittsburgh, followed by a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Clarion/Edinboro University. This academic trajectory supports her dual expertise in clinical practice and pedagogy.

With 20 years of direct patient care as a pediatric nurse practitioner, her professional focus centers on:

• Pediatric Nursing methodologies
• Advanced Practice Nursing education
• Clinical-pedagogical integration
• Evidence-based pediatric care systems

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes translating clinical experience into effective nursing instruction.

As Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Best provides academic mentorship and program administration for nursing students. Her location at Clarion 130 Ralston Hall facilitates direct student engagement through scheduled office hours and academic advising.