Rebecca A. Seaman, Ed.D., RN, a long-time nurse and nurse educator, was tapped to lead the new RN to BSN program at Centenary University.

The 30-credit program begins in the fall of 2023 and is open to registered nurses seeking a bachelor’s degree. ‘s new nursing program

A resident of Northampton, Pa., Seaman has more than 20 years of experience as a practicing nurse and nurse educator. She holds a BSN and Master of Science in Nursing Education from Cedar Crest University, as well as a Doctor of Education in Higher Education with a concentration in nursing education from Immaculata University, East Whiteland Township, Pa. She has spent much of her career in the Lehigh Valley as a nurse educator, most recently serving as the undergraduate program director and assistant professor in the School of Nursing at Cedar Crest College.

Seaman calls Centenary’s new nursing program an important step in reversing an ongoing nursing shortage that worsened during the pandemic. “There’s no question there is a significant nursing shortage that started well before the pandemic,” she said. “Centenary’s new nursing program is a way to help meet the healthcare needs of the local community the university serves.”

The nursing shortage began nurses in the Baby Boom generation began to retire, according to Dr. Seaman. Another factor, she said, is the level of care nurses are now required to provide is significantly higher than five or 10 years ago.

For the next year, Seaman will work closely with Lauren Bergey, Ph.D., dean of the School of Natural, Health, Social, and Behavioral Sciences, and Craig Fuller, Ph.D., assistant professor of health science and director of Centenary University’s health sciences and medical laboratory science programs, to finalize the curriculum of the RN to BSN degree, and begin to set the groundwork for program accreditation. Accrediting bodies generally wait a year after students are enrolled to accredit programs in the health and wellness sector, according to Fuller, who has led the University’s recent expansion into the health sciences. Fuller said distinguishing features of Centenary’s new RN to BSN degree include a strong balance between the sciences and liberal arts, as well as clinical experiences offered in collaboration with Atlantic Health System.

Centenary is also pursuing additional strategic partnerships with other area healthcare providers and community colleges.