DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – Sept. 5, 2012 – Chamberlain College of Nursing has announced the appointment of Carole R. Eldridge, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, as director of graduate programs. Dr. Eldridge has more than 35 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including nursing practice, education, research and management. She previously served as president of Chamberlain’s Houston campus from 2010 to 2011. In her new role, Dr. Eldridge is responsible for curriculum and course development, faculty operations and student services for Chamberlain’s graduate degree programs. Dr. Eldridge is replacing Diana Meeks-Sjostrom, PhD, MSN, CS, FNP-BC, CNE, who returned to a graduate faculty role at Chamberlain.

“Dr. Eldridge is a key addition to Chamberlain’s academics team as we continue to develop graduate degree programs that prepare nurses for more advanced roles,” said Susan Groenwald, PhD(c), MSN, national president of Chamberlain College of Nursing. “With leadership experience in academia, practice and management, Dr. Eldridge will guide Chamberlain’s development of educational opportunities that will help nurses strengthen their careers, the nursing profession and patient care.”

Prior to her appointment at Chamberlain, Dr. Eldridge was campus dean of nursing at West Coast University’s Dallas campus. Previously, she served as dean, campus director and associate professor for St. John’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Southwest Baptist University in Springfield, Mo. Dr. Eldridge spent the preceding 10 years developing and teaching nursing courses for degree programs, ranging from associate to master’s, and served as a nursing educator and staff development director at nursing colleges in Missouri and Texas. She has several years of experience leading healthcare consulting and management firms.

“Today’s nurse leaders have expanded responsibilities, at times addressing pivotal issues related to healthcare policy, education reform and technology integration, among others,” said Dr. Eldridge. “I share Chamberlain’s commitment to preparing nurses to address these challenges while meeting the demands of an evolving, more collaborative healthcare setting.”

Dr. Eldridge earned a diploma in nursing from Burge School of Nursing and a BSN degree from Evangel College, both in Springfield, Mo. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree in nursing administration from the University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in nursing leadership and healthcare business from Rush University College of Nursing in Chicago. She is Nurse Executive Advanced-Board Certified and a Certified Nurse Educator.

For more information about Chamberlain College of Nursing, visit chamberlain.edu.