MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Martina Suttle Harris (’92), an alumna and former assistant professor in the MTSU College of Nursing, has been honored as one of 27 distinguished nurse educators selected as fellows for induction into the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education.

Harris, dean of Nursing and Allied Health at Chattanooga State Community College, joins a fellowship of leaders in nursing education who teach in a range of programs across the spectrum of higher education. Fellows are affiliated with top-ranked teaching hospitals, academic institutions, and other organizations committed to advancing the quality of health care in the U.S. and globally.

The induction ceremony took place at the Honors Convocation during the 2024 National League for Nursing Education Summit on Sept. 20. This year’s gathering included a celebration of academy fellows, along with other recipients of honors, scholarship awards and research grants awardees.

“I’m honored and thrilled to be selected as one the nursing educators from across the country to join the 18th class of fellows by the (nursing academy),” Harris shared. “This prestigious recognition is a milestone in my journey as an educator and leader in nursing. I am eager to engage with and learn from fellow leaders in the field, and to continue contributing to the advancement of nursing education.”

In a competitive application process, the Academy of Nursing Education Review Panel considers applicants’ contributions in several areas, including innovative teaching and learning strategies, nursing education research, and collaborative educational, practice, or community partnerships, among others.

“I am always pleased to see nurses recognized for their exemplary service to the profession, even more special when it is one of our own,” said Jenny Sauls, professor and director of the MTSU’s School of Nursing. “Dr. Harris was one of my students when I first began my teaching career at MTSU, which makes me even more proud to honor her accomplishments.”

With over 20 years of higher education experience, both in the classroom and clinical settings, Harris has made significant contributions to nursing education.

Before her current role, she taught at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and MTSU School of Nursing. She also served as project director for several Health Resources and Services Administration grants aimed at increasing diversity in health care. In 2020, she was appointed by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee to the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Harris earned her bachelor’s in nursing from MTSU, a master’s in nursing administration from Vanderbilt and Ed.D. from Tennessee State University.

Peter Grandjean, dean of the MTSU College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, shared delight in Harris’ achievement as an accomplished alumna.

“Dr. Harris exemplifies what happens when preparation, expertise, passion, and hard work converge. She has created an exemplary path for nurses everywhere. We are proud to recognize and honor her as one of our very own,” Grandjean said.

—  Brian Delaney, MTSU Alumni Relations (bdelaney@mtsu.edu)