Roxanne Spurlark

Dr. Roxanne Spurlark serves as Assistant Professor and Associate Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program within DePaul University's College of Science and Health, School of Nursing. With over 30 years of healthcare experience and 60,000 clinical hours, she delivers emergency services through Chicagoland safety net organizations and primary care to underserved communities via her independent practice. Her leadership extends to administrative roles including Associate Director of Advanced Nursing Practice and Assistant Director of the Master Entry to Nursing Practice Program.

Dr. Spurlark's research centers on vulnerable populations during public health crises, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. She investigates resilience leadership, trauma-informed care, and health disparities affecting Black Americans and nurses. Utilizing qualitative methodology and systematic reviews, her work advocates for policy changes to improve health outcomes and empower communities. She has published extensively on pandemic-related challenges including vaccine access, moral distress, and PPE shortages.

Her recent scholarly output reveals a strong focus on the intersection of nursing practice and pandemic response. Key themes include the experiences of Black nurses, barriers to vaccine uptake in minority communities, and the development of clinical guidelines for safe practices. These studies, predominantly qualitative, underscore the need for resilient healthcare systems and equitable resource distribution.

Dr. Spurlark's contributions have been recognized through multiple honors:

• Daisy Award for Faculty Excellence (2016)
• Three-time Nominee for DePaul University Excellence in Teaching Award (2021-2023)
• Nominee for Distinguished Alumni Award from Governors State University (2022)
• Nominee for DePaul University Provost's Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (2022)

Mentoring is central to Dr. Spurlark's role, with documented guidance of doctoral and master's students on pandemic-related research. She chairs the School of Nursing's Post-Licensure Committee and contributes to strategic planning for the College of Science and Health, while leading initiatives to reconstruct resilience in post-pandemic healthcare.