THE PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Gwen Morse, PhD, MSN, RN
Professor and Program Chair, RN–BSN Program, University of Arizona Global Campus.
My work brings together nursing education, program leadership, assessment, and curriculum development. I have taught across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, in classrooms and through online and hybrid learning.

PROGRAMS, PEOPLE & PURPOSE
Leading nursing education forward.
My experience includes developing, managing, and revising RN–BSN and MSN programs, leading faculty teams, and aligning curriculum, assessment, and accreditation work.
- Accreditation and assessment. At the University of Arizona Global Campus, I authored the 2023 self-study report and led the team whose work resulted in successful 10-year CCNE reaccreditation.
- Program development. I developed MSN Nurse Educator programs approved by WASC and the Higher Learning Commission, and led RN–BSN program accreditation work with CCNE.
- Academic and clinical leadership. I served as Director of Assessment for the College of Nursing and Public Health at South University. My leadership experience also includes roles as Program Chair, Program Director, Dean, and Director of Education for a multi-hospital health system.
Selected academic and leadership appointments
University of Arizona Global Campus
Program Chair and Professor, RN–BSN Program
2021–presentWilkes University
Adjunct Faculty
2015–2019South University
Director of Assessment, College of Nursing and Public Health; MSN Nurse Educator Program Director; Associate Professor
Director of Assessment, 2013–2014; Program Director, 2009–2013; Associate Professor, 2009–2014California State University, Los Angeles
Lecturer
2008–2013Thomas Edison State University
Mentor Faculty
2008–2015, as listed in the CVCapella University
Adjunct Faculty
2008–2011, as listed in the CVKaplan University
Dean, MSN Program
2006–2007Cottage Health System
Director, Education Department
1997–1999University of San Diego
Assistant Professor
1995–1996University of Maine
Assistant Professor
1993–1996
Additional teaching appointments include Walden, Regis, Grand Canyon, Antioch, and the University of Phoenix, as well as California State University, Northridge and Dominguez Hills.
MY TEACHING TENETS
High expectations. Caring support.
Room for curiosity.
I began teaching in 1985. Over time, my role has evolved from delivering information to coaching learners as they develop knowledge, confidence, and an evidence-based professional practice. Research, theory, and statistics are among the subjects I especially enjoy teaching.
Coach the learning process
I help learners find and evaluate information, expand their knowledge, and connect evidence with professional nursing practice.
Bring energy and purpose to technology
I use creative strategies to engage learners online and in asynchronous discussions, choosing technology to support learning outcomes.
Pair high expectations with support
I challenge students to think critically and write in a scholarly style, while providing feedback that helps them develop those abilities.
Create a caring, positive environment
I set a welcoming tone, encourage learners to contact me when challenges affect their performance, and respect their perspectives.
Use dialogue to deepen understanding
I respond to learners’ contributions, ask Socratic questions, and draw on their real-world experiences to extend discussion.
Empower learners—and keep learning
My responsibility is to facilitate learning, help students find joy in their educational journey, and remain open to what they teach me in return.
BREADTH OF TEACHING
From foundational practice to doctoral inquiry.
My teaching spans research and evidence-based practice, statistics, theory, nursing education, informatics, leadership, ethics, and community and family health. I have also designed and redesigned courses for classroom and online delivery.
Explore courses by academic level.
Undergraduate (BSN)
- Aging & Health
- Aging and HealthUniversity of Arizona Global Campus
- BiostatisticsCalifornia State University, Northridge
- Capstone I: Nursing Practice Improvement InquiryUniversity of Arizona Global Campus
- Capstone II: Nursing Practice Improvement and EvaluationUniversity of Arizona Global Campus
- Community Health NursingUniversity of Arizona Global Campus
- Contemporary Issues In Aging
- Death & Dying
- Ethical Decision Making in Health CareGrand Canyon University
- Family Health NursingUniversity of Arizona Global Campus
- Family Health PromotionGrand Canyon University
- Health AssessmentUniversity of Arizona Global Campus
- Health Promotion and TeachingCalifornia State University, Dominguez Hills
- HealthCare Ethics and Medical Law
- Introduction to Nursing ResearchCalifornia State University, Los Angeles
- Leading and Managing in NursingUniversity of Arizona Global Campus
- Life CycleCalifornia State University, Dominguez Hills
- Nursing & Health Care SystemsCalifornia State University, Los Angeles
- Nursing Care Management of Adults: IUniversity of Maine
- Nursing Care Management of Adults: IIUniversity of Maine
- Nursing Care and Management of Chronic Illness and DisabilityUniversity of Arizona Global Campus
- Nursing InformaticsThomas Edison State University
- Nursing ResearchUniversity of Arizona Global Campus
- Nursing and TelehealthCalifornia State University, Dominguez Hills
- Professional Role Development and Practice in NursingUniversity of Arizona Global Campus
- Research and Evidence Based PracticeRegis University
- Research in NursingThomas Edison State University
- Statistics for the Health ProfessionalThomas Edison State University
- Technology for the Information AgeCalifornia State University, Dominguez Hills
- The Nurse-Leader ManagerRegis University
- Transcultural Nursing CareUniversity of Arizona Global Campus
Graduate (MSN and master’s)
- Advanced Nursing Practicum and Capstone I
- Advanced PathophysiologyUniversity of Maine; University of San Diego
- Advancing Nursing through Inquiry and ResearchWalden University
- Applied Research for Nursing PracticeCalifornia State University, Dominguez Hills
- BiostatisticsWilkes University
- Concepts of Change ManagementGrantham University
- Contemporary Health Care Issues and Health PolicyUniversity of San Diego
- Curriculum Design & Evaluation in Nursing EducationSouth University
- Curriculum DevelopmentRegis University
- Decision Making in Nursing and Health Care PolicyCalifornia State University, Los Angeles
- Ethical Principles for Advanced Nursing PracticeWilkes University
- Ethical and Legal Views of the Changing Health Care SystemWalden University
- Evaluation Methods for Health Care EducatorsRegis University
- Evaluation in Nursing EducationWilkes University
- Evaluation of Education Outcomes in NursingSouth University
- Evidence-Based Practice through ResearchWalden University
- Financial Management in Nursing PracticeThomas Edison State University
- Graduate Project in Nursing EducationSouth University
- Health Promotion and Disease PreventionCalifornia State University, Dominguez Hills
- Healthcare Information ManagementUniversity of San Diego
- Information Security and Privacy in Healthcare EnvironmentsGrantham University
- Introduction to Statistics and Applied Research MethodsWalden University
- Legal Environments in Health CareRegis University
- Linking Theory to Nursing PracticeWalden University
- Nurse Educator: Testing, Assessment, and EvaluationThomas Edison State University
- Nursing InformaticsThomas Edison State University
- Nursing Informatics and Technology
- Nursing Research & Evidence-Based PracticeGrantham University
- Nursing Research MethodsCalifornia State University, Los Angeles; South University
- Principles of Biostatistics
- Project and Change ManagementGrantham University
- Role Development of the Advanced Practice NurseCalifornia State University, Los Angeles
- Role of the Advanced Practice NurseSouth University
- Student Centered Learning in Nursing EducationWalden University
- Teaching Strategies for Nurse EducatorsWalden University
- Teaching and Learning Strategies in Health CareRegis University
- Teaching and Learning Strategies in NursingSouth University
- The Nursing Curriculum: Development and ImplementationWilkes University
- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing ScienceWilkes University
- Theoretical FrameworksRegis University
Doctoral
- Curriculum Design & Evaluation in Nursing EducationCapella University
- Psychometric Theory and MeasurementUniversity of San Diego
- Teaching Strategies in Nursing EducationCapella University
- The Nurse Educator: Faculty Roles and ResponsibilitiesCapella University
Across programs and professional preparation
- Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health AideRegional Occupation Program Santa Barbara
- Various NUR courses for University of PhoenixUniversity of Phoenix
Curriculum design
My curriculum work includes RN–BSN research and community health courses; professional role development; nursing informatics and technology; graduate practicum and capstone courses; and health promotion and disease prevention.
Explore my learning resourcesEDUCATION & RECOGNITION
A foundation in nursing and inquiry.
- PhD, University of Arizona (1994) — major in Nursing, minor in Psychology.
- MSN, California State University, Dominguez Hills (1988) — Nursing.
- BSN, California State University, Dominguez Hills (1984) — Nursing.
- Diploma, Michael Reese Hospital School of Nursing (1974) — Nursing.
Graduate research
Dissertation: The effect of social support on women’s perception of perimenstrual changes. Committee Chair: Dr. Elaine Jones. View the University of Arizona repository record.
Master’s thesis: The resurgence of the nurse assistant in acute care: An exploratory study of nurse’s attitudes. Committee Chair: Dr. Kay Davis.
Selected recognition
- Judith M. Lewis Outstanding Educator Award, California State University, Dominguez Hills (2001).
- Scientific Fellow, American Academy of Otolaryngology (1997).
- Best Vocational Education Teacher, California Regional Occupation Programs (1990).
Professional development documented in the CV includes Quality Matters rubric training, the UAGC Green Zone Certification Program, and continuing education in competency-based nursing education, scholarly writing, and inclusive practice.
RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP
Inquiry that connects education and practice.
My publications and presentations address scholarly writing in nursing education, women’s health, social support, and clinical nursing topics. My professional service includes peer review for Nursing Research, educational resource review, grant activity, and university service.
Selected journal publications
- Morse, G. (2009). Faculty application of the American Psychological Association style. Journal of Nursing Education, 48(10), 542–551. Publication record
- Ryu, R., Dunbar, W., & Morse, G. (2002). Meniscal allograft replacement: A 1-year to 6-year experience. Arthroscopy, 18(9), 989–994.Publication record
- Morse, G., & House, J. (2001). Changes in Ménière’s disease responses as a function of the menstrual cycle. Nursing Research, 50(5), 286–292.Publication record
- Morse, G. (1999). Positively reframing perceptions of the menstrual cycle among women with premenstrual syndrome. JOGNN, 28(2), 165–174.Publication record
- Morse, G. (1997). The effect of social support on women’s perceptions of perimenstrual changes among women with PMS. Health Care for Women International, 18(2), 175–193.Publication record
- Morse, G. (1995). Reframing women’s health in nursing education: A feminist approach. Nursing Outlook, 43, 273–277.Publication record
- Morse, G. (1994). Positive concomitants of the menstrual cycle: Nurse intervention and its effect on perimenstrual changes. British Journal of Family Planning, 19(Suppl.), 26–28.
- Morse, G. (1990). Resurgence of the nurse assistant in acute care. Nursing Management, 21(3), 34–36.Publication record
Selected presentations
- Responding to Graduate Student Writing — AACN conference on master’s education in nursing, 2010.
- Responding to Student Writing — requested workshop for graduate nursing faculty at California State University, Los Angeles, 2009.
Conference proceedings
Morse, G. (1997). The effect of social support on women’s perceptions of perimenstrual changes. Proceedings of the 11th Biannual Conference for the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research, Montreal, Canada, 1995.
Editorial and professional service
- Reviewer, Nursing Research (2003–present).
- Review Panel Member, MERLOT (2005–2015).
- Review Panel Member, Computers in Nursing (1995–1998).
- Reviewer, American Council on Education College Credit Recommendation Service (2013).
- University service includes the UAGC Promotion Advisory Committee and research, technology, curriculum, and outcomes committees.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
A continuing sense of discovery.
My service includes work with the Medical Reserve Corps and Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as naturalist work with the Channel Islands Naturalist Corps on whale-watching trips in the Santa Barbara Channel.


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Explore my Florence Nightingale photo journal or get in touch.
A PERSONAL MEMORY
The Newlywed Game
Watch our appearance on The Newlywed Game.
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