Dr. Geraldine Young holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2010), an MSN from Alcorn State University (2005), and a BSN from the University of Mississippi Medical Center (2001). Dr. Young is a board-certified family nurse practitioner (FNP) (2005). She is also a certified diabetes educator (2011). She has performed an abundance of leadership, scholarship, service, practice, and educational activities over the course of her career. Her service in the nursing profession spans over 19 years (5 years-registered nurse, 14-FNP, 12-preceptor and mentor, 9-faculty, and 5-family medical practice owner), with proof of a dedicated life to nursing. Educating nursing professionals is a priority for Dr. Young as she continues life fulfilling endeavors to contribute to the ongoing growth of the profession. Advocating for faculty and student competencies is one of her greatest contributions to academia. Dr. Young is a Leadership Fellow and newly elected Board Member at Large for the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP). She has been deemed a content expert for one of the leading credentialing bodies for NPs, American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She serves on an array of national committees to advance NP education, including the NONPF Curricular Leadership Committee (co-chair) and Conference Committee. She is also a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials Task Force.
As a member of the Essentials Task Force, Dr. Young is ensuring cultural diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of nursing education to address the health disparities and inequities that exist in our nation. She has effectively delivered models of clinical practice to improve the outcomes of underserved and minority populations with diabetes in conjunction with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). She is passionate and outcomes-driven with regard to her diversity and inclusion endeavors. Dr. Young is enthused to continue on the trajectory of building a diverse and inclusive healthcare delivery system by taking on the role, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Frontier Nursing University.