The December Spotlight is Dr. Cori Heier, PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE, NE-BC an Assistant Professor, Director of Educational Innovation, and Director of the Faculty Academy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (UABSON). She earned her BSN from South Dakota State University, her MSN in nursing leadership and organizational management from American Sentinel University (now Post University), and her PhD in nursing with an emphasis in nursing education from the University of Kansas. Cori has achieved certification as a nurse educator, healthcare simulation educator, and nurse executive. Her research interests include nursing education and nursing leadership.
Tell us about your background.
Cori began practicing as a nurse in 2013 and worked in a variety of specialties including the operating room, emergency room, urology, and spine care. After pursuing a master’s degree in leadership and organizational management, she began teaching in an undergraduate nursing program and fell in love with nursing education and finding ways to incorporate active learning and brain science strategies used to enhance learning. During her nursing PhD education, she met the current ALSN President, Heather Nelson-Brantley, and was encouraged to join ALSN!
What other Roles have you had in Nursing?
In addition to her UAB roles, Cori serves on the ALSN board as the Secretary and the liaison for the Bylaws, Policies, and Procedures Committee. She is also an active member of the Research Committee.
How did you learn about ALSN?
Our current ALSN President, Heather Nelson-Brantley, was Cori’s dissertation chair and encouraged her to join ALSN because of her research interests in academic nurse leadership.
What is your message to new ALSN members?
Be engaged! The best way to do that is to get plugged into a committee. Each committee is doing such great work. Enjoy the wealth of knowledge of our members and join us at conferences to make meaningful connections. Although it can be intimidating to reach out, everyone here wants to meet you and watch you succeed!
What are you most challenged with?
Cori’s biggest challenge is juggling all of life’s demands. In addition to her many professional roles, she is also a mom of 4 busy kids!
Tell us about yourself….
Cori is a South Dakota native who moved to Alabama in 2024. Her and her husband have 4 kids who keep them busy with dance, hockey, and gymnastics. In her spare time (that doesn’t really exist), Cori enjoys reading and playing games with her family.
If you would like to connect with nurse leaders like Dr. Cori and be part of this community, learn more about ALSN membership at: ALSN.info/Membership
