Diane (Kinnard) Campbell, DNP-PHN, FNP-BC, LNC
Diane (Kinnard) Campbell, DNP-PHN, FNP-BC, LNC, is a dedicated nursing professional and educator with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. She began her career in critical care and advanced through leadership roles, including assistant nurse manager positions at TriStar Medical, while earning recognition for her service to underserved communities as a National Health Service Corps Scholar. Diane’s commitment to patient care and advocacy has been a defining feature of her professional journey.
In addition to her clinical work, Diane has served as a Visiting Professor at Chamberlain University for over a decade, teaching primary care nursing and advanced physical health assessment courses. She is passionate about mentoring both traditional and nontraditional nursing students, offering guidance to those balancing demanding schedules, career transitions, and family responsibilities. Her teaching and mentorship have helped shape the next generation of compassionate and skilled nursing professionals.
Diane’s dedication to nursing education and community service is grounded in her belief that impact does not require perfection. A survivor of numerous personal and professional challenges, she uses her experience to inspire women navigating careers, motherhood, and academic advancement. Outside of her professional life, she emphasizes the importance of resilience, lifelong learning, and supporting others in achieving their potential.
• The University of Tennessee Health Science Center- Doctorate
• Tennessee State University- Master's
• Alpha Chi Chapter
• Kaidify
• National Health Service Corps
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents—both educators—who instilled in me discipline, purpose, and compassion. I also credit my perseverance through adversity, including balancing my education and career as a single parent, for keeping me committed to uplifting my students and communities in need.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is, “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.” I apply this mindset in my roles as an educator and clinician, making sure my students are always equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed in high-pressure healthcare environments.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering healthcare is: “It’s never too late to pursue more. Keep showing up, especially when it’s hard. Your presence in the room matters—especially if you’re the only one who looks like you.” I encourage women, particularly single mothers and women of color, to claim their space, trust their journey, and seek support when the path feels lonely.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in nursing education right now include limited support for single-parent students, frequent administrative shifts in academic institutions, and the underrepresentation of minority educators in clinical academia. Opportunities include growth in online and hybrid education models, expansion of scholarship and service-based programs like the NHSC and increasing demand for nursing educators with real-world experience.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, a dedication to service, and lifelong learning. I also prioritize empathy in leadership and advocating for representation of underrepresented communities in healthcare.