School of Nursing Welcomes New Faculty

A warm welcome to our new faculty who bring a range of experience to the School of Nursing!

Dr. Kate Adelstein, PhD, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Assistant Professor

Dr. Adelstein earned her Ph.D. in Nursing Science from the University of Virginia in 2016 and then completed a prestigious Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Vanderbilt University in 2017.  Prior to that, Adelstein received a Master of Science in Nursing from Yale University in 2008, with specialties in adult primary care and women’s health, and received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and religious studies from Hamilton College in 2003.

Adelstein’s program of research has examined optimal living in patients with cancer throughout their disease trajectory, and her position as assistant professor here at the School of Nursing will focus on oncology, using her scholarship and research background and her years in a clinical role at Norton Cancer Institute as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.

Adelstein is the recipient of the 2018 American Psychosocial Oncology Society’s Research Poster Award for “Grateful for Today: Expressions of Gratitude by Young Adults Aged 20-39 with Advanced Cancer.”  She earned the Phyllis Verhonick Dissertation Award from the University of Virginia in 2017 and the recipient of the University of Virginia STAR Mentor Award in 2013.

Dr. Mollie Aleshire, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP
Assistant Professor

Dr. Aleshire graduated with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Kentucky College of Nursing in 2010.  Prior, she earned a nurse practitioner certificate in pediatric primary care from Spalding University in 2005, a Master of Science in Nursing, family nurse practitioner specialty, from the University of Kentucky in 2003, and her BSN from Berea College in 1999.

Aleshire’s extensive clinical and teaching experience includes serving as the DNP Program Director for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Clinical Associate Professor for the University of Kentucky, and as a family health and pediatric primary care nurse practitioner.  Her research and scholarship include extensive presentations and publications focusing on health disparities in minorities and LGBTQ populations.

Aleshire was the recipient of the DREAM Scholar (Disparities Researchers Equalizing Access for Minorities) from the University of Arizona Scholar Program in 2019 and was the University of Kentucky’s DREAM Scholar recipient in 2015.  She was honored as the June 2019 Special PRIDE Collection designation.

Dr. Patricia Davis, RN, DNP, MS, NEA-BC, CNL
Assistant Professor

Dr. Davis earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of San Francisco in 2009. Prior to that, she earned a Master of Science in Health Services Administration with Honors from Saint Mary’s College of California in 1994, and her BSN from the University of State of New York in Albany in 1993. 

Davis comes to us with extensive teaching and scholarship in nursing leadership, with certifications in Foundations of Magnet Nursing, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Professional Development.  She has been the associate professor for the MSN/Clinical Nurse Leader Program at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing and the Director of Nursing Education, Advancement, and Practice.  She has served in leadership roles such as the CNO (Chief Nursing Officer) of Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, CA, and the Nursing Administration Supervisor of John Muir Health at both the Concord and Walnut Creek campuses.

Davis was the recipient of the Master's Faculty Award (selected by students and criteria) in 2016, and the Anna Pearl Raines Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership at the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2015.

Dr. Shannon Shumaker, PhD, APRN, ACNP-BC, MSN, RN
Assistant Professor

Dr. Shumaker received her Ph.D. in Nursing Science from the University of Kentucky College of Nursing in 2016.  She also holds Master of Science in Nursing, acute care nurse practitioner specialty, from UK graduating in 2010.  She received her BSN from Eastern Kentucky University in 2000.

Shumaker will serve as the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Track Coordinator and joins the School of Nursing with a range of experience as an educator and clinical practitioner.  She has taught at Eastern Kentucky University and has been an acute care nurse practitioner at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center.

Shumaker received the Kentucky Fellowship Scholarship for Scholarship/Research/Creative Activities from the University of Kentucky in 2014 and has co-authored and co-presented on student engagement and faculty development.