Michelle Edmonds, D.N.
Michelle Edmonds, D.N., is an accomplished nursing educator and leader with over 16 years of progressive experience in nursing education and administration. She currently serves as an Associate Professor of Nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she brings her expertise in team leadership, nursing administration, and academic innovation to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her dedication to fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and operational excellence has been a hallmark of her career.
Prior to her current role, Michelle served as Associate Dean at VCU School of Nursing, where she focused on strategic leadership, curriculum development, and faculty mentorship. She also held the position of Dean of Nursing, Allied Health, and Natural Science at Southside Virginia Community College, overseeing academic programs, clinical partnerships, and student success initiatives. Across her career, she has been committed to aligning academic programs with community needs, promoting innovative teaching strategies, and preparing nurses to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.
Michelle earned her Doctor’s Degree in Nursing Administration and a Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing Education from Old Dominion University. Her academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to improving healthcare through education, community engagement, and leadership development. Passionate about supporting future nursing leaders, she continues to inspire students and colleagues alike while contributing to the advancement of nursing education and practice.
• Old Dominion University - D.N.
• Chancellor’s Award for Excellence
• Virginia League for Nursing
• Virginia Nurses Association to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the resilience and compassion that nursing demands. I began my career at the bedside, where each shift offered lessons no textbook could teach. Those experiences fueled my transition to academia—first as an associate dean at Virginia Commonwealth University, and now as an online nursing professor guiding new nurses. I teach three courses each semester, with enrollments ranging from 25 to 250 students, and mentor senior nursing students, leading a program that helps shape future educators. My time in community college was especially transformative, teaching me the power of access, empathy, and meeting students where they are.
Becoming an endowed professor at VCU is one of my proudest milestones, yet my journey continues to be shaped by service and leadership. I remain active in professional organizations—from the Virginia League for Nursing to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing—because leadership is a responsibility, not a title. Honors such as the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence and completion of the LEAD Virginia program have broadened my understanding of service and statewide impact, reinforcing my commitment to nursing education and the development of the next generation of leaders.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my first mentor, who taught me the power of the pause—choosing emotional intelligence over reaction. That lesson has guided me through every role I’ve held, reminding me that emotional intelligence is the foundation of strong nursing, effective leadership, and genuine humanity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering nursing is to give yourself grace and truly invest in what you love. Nursing is a profession that will challenge, humble, and grow you, and you don’t have to know everything on day one—stay curious and compassionate. Choose work that aligns with your values, not just your résumé; when your purpose drives you, there’s less room for burnout, and your impact becomes far more meaningful.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in nursing today is the shortage of both nurses and nursing faculty, a situation compounded by low pay for educators despite their critical role in sustaining the pipeline. We cannot solve the nursing shortage without investing in the people who teach future nurses, which requires courage, strategic investment, and a willingness to modernize. One area where modernization is essential is artificial intelligence. While some in nursing education remain hesitant, I see AI as a powerful tool—from drafting nurse’s notes to supporting triage and symptom assessment. Rather than resisting it, we must equip future nurses to use AI responsibly and effectively, ensuring it enhances both care and education.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are service, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning. From the emergency department to academia, these principles have shaped how I care for others, lead, and continue to grow.