NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Indiana University Southeast has announced the appointment of Dr. Patricia Spurr, Ed.D., MSN, CNE, FRE, RN as the new Nursing Program Director, bringing to the university an accomplished leader in nursing education, accreditation, curriculum development, and student success.
Spurr joins IU Southeast following a distinguished career spanning nursing practice, higher education leadership, and regulatory service. Most recently, she served as Chair of Health Sciences at Spalding University, a position she held from 2017 to 2025. Her experience also includes leadership roles as Chair of a School of Nursing, BSN Program Director, Associate Dean, and RN-to-BSN Program Director. She has served as a Nursing Education Consultant for the Kentucky Board of Nursing and as both a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) accreditation site visitor. Spurr will begin her new position at IU Southeast on Aug. 1.
“Dr. Spurr brings an exceptional combination of leadership, academic expertise, and deep knowledge of nursing accreditation and regulatory compliance,” said Dr. Michelle Williams, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at IU Southeast. “Her extensive experience supporting curriculum innovation, student achievement, faculty development, and program quality makes her uniquely qualified to lead our nursing program into its next chapter.”
As Nursing Program Director, Spurr will provide leadership for curriculum development and assessment, accreditation and state board compliance, faculty coordination, student support initiatives, clinical partnerships, strategic planning, and continuous program improvement. Her role will help ensure that IU Southeast’s nursing graduates are prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Southern Indiana and the broader region.
Throughout her career, Spurr has been recognized as a champion for student success and nursing excellence. She has presented nationally on student retention, National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) preparation, nursing regulation, academic integrity, and innovative approaches to nursing education. Her work has focused on creating learning environments that support student persistence, achievement, and professional readiness.
“Dr. Spurr’s steadfast commitment and dedication to student success reinforces the Nursing Program’s record of excellence in preparing highly qualified graduates,” noted Dr. Quinn Dauer, Interim Dean of the College of Health, Nursing, and Sciences. “Through her leadership, the Nursing Program will continue to equip nurses with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce and enhance the well-being of our communities.”
A Certified Nurse Educator and Fellow in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s Institute of Regulatory Excellence, Spurr has contributed to nursing education and accreditation efforts at institutions across the country. Her experience evaluating nursing programs and guiding continuous improvement initiatives has established her as a respected voice in the profession.
“I am honored to join Indiana University Southeast and to work alongside the talented nursing faculty, staff, students, and healthcare partners who contribute to the program’s success,” said Dr. Spurr. “Nursing education is at a pivotal moment, and I look forward to supporting student success, maintaining excellence in accreditation and regulatory compliance, and preparing graduates to meet the healthcare needs of our communities.”
IU Southeast’s Nursing Program has a long history of preparing highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who serve the region’s hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations. The addition of Spurr reflects the university’s continued investment in academic quality, student achievement, and workforce development.
About IU Southeast: Indiana University Southeast is a regional campus of Indiana University located in New Albany, Indiana, just six miles from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. With more than 3,750 students, IU Southeast offers high-quality, nationally accredited, academic programs in business, communication and technology; health, nursing and sciences; education; arts and human services; and other fields aligned with regional workforce needs. Through partnerships with employers and community organizations, IU Southeast prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills and experiences to succeed in a changing workforce and contribute to the economic vitality of the Kentuckiana region. Students from 10 Kentucky counties are eligible for in-state tuition through an Indiana-Kentucky reciprocity agreement, while other Kentucky residents may qualify for reduced tuition through the Indiana Partner Program. For more information, visit southeast.iu.edu.
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