Susan Deane, EdD

Susan Deane, EdD, MSN, CNE is a trailblazer in nursing and healthcare education with over 40 years of experience in the field—first as a registered nurse, and later as a passionate educator shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. After 25 years of working directly in nursing and clinical practice, Susan transitioned into education, where she has served as both a professor and Dean of Nursing at SUNY Delhi. In 2020, she was appointed Acting Provost of the college, further solidifying her leadership role in academic innovation.
Now working as a consultant and strategic advisor, Susan partners with nurse educators nationwide to expand their impact, integrating cutting-edge tools like artificial intelligence and virtual reality into curriculum development, faculty training, and student engagement. She regularly delivers keynote presentations and workshops, including for the Kansas State Board of Nursing, and produces educational content such as case studies, exam questions, and AI-driven feedback systems. She is also the founder of The Digital Stethoscope, a newsletter exploring how emerging technology is reshaping nursing education. In recognition of her pioneering efforts, Susan was nominated as a Nurse Innovator by SONSIEL.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Susan is an avid traveler and host, having journeyed through Croatia, France, Iceland, and beyond with groups of family and friends. Whether mentoring future educators or experimenting in her kitchen, she brings creativity, warmth, and vision to everything she does—making a lasting mark on the future of healthcare education.
• SDSU Academic Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) Micro-credential for the Community
• Google AI Essentials
• Google Prompting Essentials
• AI in Education Explorer
• St.Francis Hospital School of Nursing- R.N.
• Saint Joseph's College- B.S.N.
• University of Hartford- M.S.N.
• Drexel University- Post Master's
• Northcentral University- Ed.D.
• CT Center for Nursing Workforce
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep passion for both healthcare and teaching, which has driven me to continually innovate and inspire others throughout my career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunity in nursing education today is the integration of AI to enhance teaching and clinical decision-making. Susan leverages AI to develop case studies, exam questions, and student feedback, and creates presentations that help nurses use these tools to make fast, informed decisions in the field.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both her work and personal life, Susan values connection, wellness, and hospitality—whether through meaningful travel, hosting dinner parties, or ensuring healthy options are available for everyone.