Teresa L. Stephens RN, PhD, CNE
Dr. Tese Stephens is an Associate Professor in the College of Nursing with primary teaching responsibilities in the RN-BSN program. She has over 30 years of nursing experience in both clinical and educational settings. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Tennessee State University, her Masters of Science in Nursing from King College, a post-master's certificate in nursing education from the University of Tennessee, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of Tennessee. She is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and a nursing education consultant. She is an active member of several professional organizations including Sigma Theta Tau International and the National League for Nursing. She has previously served on the Continuing Education (CE) review committee for the Tennessee Nurses Association and the QSEN RN-BSN national taskforce. She is the author of several publications, book chapters, and is a frequent presenter at regional and national conferences/workshops on topics related to nursing students and new graduate success, nursing education best practices, and interprofessional teams.
Dr. Stephens’ research explores the concept of resilience in healthcare professionals/students as a tool for personal growth and well-being, as well as a means of improving patient outcomes. She is the author of Stephens’ Model of Resilience and the founder of RN P.R.E.P. (personal resilience enhancement plan), an interactive learning experience for nursing students and new graduate nurses. Her resilience model has been extended to Holocaust Survivors and veterans. Dr. Stephens works closely with several Holocaust organizations and is an advisory board member for the Vantage Point Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting post-9/11 veterans.