News & Events

Baltimore, Md. — The University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) has appointed Tara Stoudt, DNP '25, MS '08, NNP-BC, RNC-NIC, assistant professor, as the director of the Master of Science in Nursing Entry-into-Nursing (MSN-E) program.  In this role, she provides primary support for students and faculty in the MSN Entry-into-Nursing (MSN-E) program and works closely with the directors of UMSON’s other master’s specialties to ensure alignment among the programs. “Tara is an exceptional fit to lead the MSN-E program,” said Lori Edwards, DrPH, BSN '80, RN, PCH-CNS, BC, FAAN, associate professor and associate dean for the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. “As an alumna of the program, she brings a unique insider’s perspective and a deep appreciation for the value and meaning of this graduate pathway into the nursing profession. Her expertise, collaborative spirit, and can-do attitude are highly valued by the MSN-E faculty, a dedicated team of expert educators committed to student success.”  UMSON launched its MSN-E program in 2024 after offering a top-ranked Master of Science in Nursing Clinical Nurse Leader option, also a direct-entry nursing master’s program, for nearly 20 years; UMSON was the first in the state to offer such a program.  The two-year, in-person, full-time MSN-E program is designed for those with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than nursing who are interested in changing patient care, improving patient outcomes, and leading health care teams, positioning nurses to grow in their careers. It also teaches students how to engage in self-care practices, incorporating self-reflection and feedback from others, to promote personal and professional resilience and well-being. Stoudt brings extensive experience in nursing education and clinical practice to the position. She has taught in both the Clinical Nurse Leader and MSN-E programs and previously served as interim director of the Clinical Nurse Leader option from 2021 - 22. She stepped down from that role to complete her doctoral studies. Her career in nursing has been shaped by a deep commitment to caring for patients and families, supporting nurses, and helping students discover their own place in the profession. She has worked in neonatal intensive care units for 16 years, including as a clinical nurse II at the University of Maryland Medical Center and as the unit educator at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. Stoudt joined UMSON in 2019 as a clinical instructor and was promoted to assistant professor in 2025 following completion of her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Stoudt currently serves on UMSON’s MSN Judicial Board and on the School’s Wellness Committee and as a faculty advisor to the Graduate Nursing Association. She is a former member of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) Clinical Education and Professional Development Council and the UMMS and UMSON Academy of Clinical Essentials (ACE) Development Group, which launched the collaborative ACE initiative to enhance nursing student education and preparation for nursing practice. Stoudt earned her DNP and master’s degrees from UMSON. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is board certified as a neonatal nurse practitioner and certified in neonatal intensive care nursing. ### The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the nation and is ranked among the top nursing schools nationwide. Enrolling nearly 2,100 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.

Baltimore, Md. — Steven L. Johnson, MA, has been appointed associate dean for student and academic services at the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), contributing extensive executive leadership experience in higher education and expertise in enrollment management, student success, strategic planning, and organizational operations. In his new role, Johnson is responsible for ensuring the delivery of a broad array of services, including undergraduate and graduate admission, on- and off-campus recruitment events, enrollment management, financial aid and scholarships, registration and academic advising, clinical placements, and support for student and career success. The Office of Student and Academic Services also liaises with student organizations and University of Maryland, Baltimore campus-based student support services, such as leadership and career development, student advocacy, and counseling. Johnson has held senior and executive leadership positions at public and private institutions throughout his career. Before joining UMSON, he served as principal of Bi-Coastal Consulting Group, where he provided enrollment management and student affairs strategies focused on admissions, operational structures, technology, and student data analytics. Previous positions include chief operating officer of Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies in Washington, D.C.; vice president of enrollment and student services at Central Michigan University; associate vice president of enrollment management at Howard University in Washington, D.C.; and director of the student assistance office at Pace University in New York. Across his career, he has been recognized for building leadership capacity at all levels of an organization. Johnson holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from Davenport University in Michigan. He has also completed executive education in diversity, equity, and inclusion at Georgetown University and professional development focused on standards of professional practice in higher education. ### The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the nation and is ranked among the top nursing schools nationwide. Enrolling nearly 2,100 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.

Baltimore, Md. – The University of Maryland School of Nursing’s Cory Stephens, DNP, Cert '24, RN, NI-BC, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, CNE, assistant professor, has been selected as a Fulbright Specialist, opening the door to future short-term collaborations with institutions around the world. The Fulbright Specialist Program, a U.S. Department of State initiative, places awardees on a three-year roster for high-impact two- to six-week projects requested by foreign institutions in more than 150 countries. Selected projects focus on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and collaboration. Stephens joins PhD student Abaneh Ebangwese, Cert ’24, BSN ’15, RN, CCRN, who is also currently in the Fulbright program; Ebangwese was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarship last year and is conducting research in Cameroon. Stephens’ Fulbright selection provides an opportunity to extend UMSON’s expertise in nursing informatics, education, public service, and innovation through international partnerships. “Joining the Fulbright Specialist roster creates an opportunity to bring my expertise into international partnerships while also learning from colleagues and institutions around the world,” Stephens said. Selection to the roster is based on peer review and recognizes demonstrated expertise, leadership, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to international partnerships. U.S. Fulbright specialists apply through a merit-based process, and once approved, become eligible to be matched with overseas projects. These engagements can lead to sustained relationships with partner institutions, promoting lasting collaboration between American and international institutions and advancing shared goals. At UMSON, Stephens’ work focuses on the responsible integration of emerging technologies into nursing education. He co-created JAIMIE, a generative artificial intelligence (AI) virtual teaching assistant, with Charlotte A. Seckman, PhD '08, RN, NI-BC, CNE, FAAN, UMSON professor and co-director of both the Nursing Informatics master's specialty and certificate. Stephens has also helped advance broader applications of purpose-built generative AI personas in nursing education. “Many of the most consequential questions surrounding artificial intelligence, informatics, health care, and education transcend national boundaries,” Stephens said. “The Fulbright Specialist Program offers an opportunity not simply to share expertise, but to learn with international partners, exchange ideas, and develop approaches that respond to local priorities and contexts.” The Fulbright selection extends Stephens’ record of national and international service in nursing informatics. He spent five years in federal public service at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center as an informatics nurse specialist and served on the leadership team of the TIGER International Task Force, a global informatics initiative. A Fellow of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, Stephens currently serves on its Nursing Informatics Committee. He is also a co-editor of the forthcoming textbook “Artificial Intelligence for Nursing Education,” with Seckman; Cheryl A. Fisher, EdD, MSN, RN, UMSON associate professor and co-director of the Nursing Informatics specialty and certificate; and Arpad G. Kelemen, PhD, UMSON professor. The book addresses the responsible integration of AI across nursing education and includes attention to global perspectives on AI. In addition to serving on the faculty, Stephens earned a Certificate in Teaching in Nursing and Health Professions from UMSON. He began his nursing education at Ivy Tech Community College’s Madison, Indiana campus, earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University, and later earned his Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Walden University, in Minneapolis. ### The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the nation and is ranked among the top nursing schools nationwide. Enrolling nearly 2,100 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.