Promoting Leadership Excellence: Three DNP specialty coordinators appointed to permanent roles

The College of Nursing is pleased to announce that three Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) specialty coordinators have transitioned from interim to permanent roles. Courtney Bartlett, DNP, AGACNP-BC, APRN, now serves as the specialty coordinator for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program. Sarah J. Locke, DNP, MBA, FNP-BC, RNC-OB, NE-BC, has been appointed as the specialty coordinator for the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program. Sara Edmund, DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, is now the specialty coordinator for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program. All three will continue to provide strong leadership within the DNP program. 

“The appointment of Bartlett, Locke, and Edmund as specialty coordinators is a significant milestone for our DNP program and college,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. "Their expertise, dedication, and leadership directly enhance student learning, advance clinical practice, and strengthen our commitment to preparing the next generation of nurse practitioners. This leadership team reflects the innovation, mentorship, and excellence that define our college.”

Specialty coordinators play a crucial role in the success of the DNP program, which features a curriculum that includes didactic coursework, on-campus intensives, and clinical practicums. Their leadership prepares advanced practice registered nurses to improve health care quality and patient safety through evidence-based practices.

Bartlett has been appointed as the permanent AGACNP specialty coordinator, overseeing a vital program. “I am honored and excited to contribute to the education and leadership of the next generation of AGACNP students,” Bartlett said. “Drawing on my clinical expertise and a comprehensive, 360-degree approach to patient management, I aim to create an engaging and practical learning experience for our students. The exceptional caliber of both the students and faculty at the college makes this role especially rewarding. I look forward to helping grow and advance the program to address the critical need for acute care providers, particularly in underserved and remote communities, ensuring patients have access to high-quality, advanced care.”

For Edmund, taking on the role of PMHNP specialty coordinator is both a professional milestone and an opportunity to give back. “Serving as a specialty coordinator for the DNP program at this top 20 college of nursing is an extraordinary opportunity,” Edmund said. “As an experienced FNP and PMHNP, I am grateful for the trust of my colleagues and look forward to serving the growing psychiatric specialty with positivity, gratitude, and a commitment to excellence.” Edmund’s dedication to expanding nursing access goes beyond the DNP program. She also serves as the project director for the $2.4 million HRSA Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) grant, which aims to increase the number and distribution of well-trained behavioral health providers in rural and underserved areas of Arizona.

Locke continues to lead the FNP track, serving in the interim role since January 2024. “I am honored to serve as the FNP specialty coordinator,” Locke said. “With a background in leadership and business, I hope to apply my skills to lead and strengthen an already excellent specialty program. We plan to grow in the coming years, so maintaining high quality will be a top priority.” Locke’s commitment to expanding clinical training opportunities is clear even beyond the DNP program, as she serves on the HRSA ANEW grant team. This four-year, $1.29 million project funds clinical training for FNP, PMHNP, and NM students with rural and underserved partners to help address provider shortages in these communities.

As these leaders fulfill their roles, their influence will extend throughout the DNP program, promoting not only student success but also faculty collaboration and clinical partnerships.

Lindsay Bouchard, DNP, PMHNP-BC, program director and interim division chair, highlighted the importance of their shared leadership. “Bartlett, Edmund, and Locke provide vital leadership to the DNP program as expert clinicians in their specialties, accomplished educators, and innovative champions of change,” said Bouchard. “Their appointment as permanent specialty coordinators confirms their commitment to advancing excellence in teaching, scholarship, and clinical practice. They each bring a depth of expertise and vision that will continue to strengthen our program and the success of our students.”

Together, these specialty coordinators ensure that DNP students at the College of Nursing receive rigorous, accredited, and practice-ready training. Their combined expertise, leadership, and mentorship provide a distinctive educational experience that is unique to the U of A, preparing students to become innovative and compassionate leaders in advanced nursing practice capable of addressing the evolving needs of health care systems and the communities they serve.