Shaping the Future of Nursing Education at Chamberlain University

Dr. Karen Cox's remarkable journey in the world of nursing and healthcare leadership exemplifies her dedication to excellence, innovation and student success. Since taking the helm as president in 2018, she has overseen Chamberlain University, the largest school of nursing in the country, becoming the leading grantor of Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees to underrepresented minority students in the United States [1]. Throughout her career, Dr. Cox has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare through comprehensive education, practice and workforce diversity.

Under her leadership, Chamberlain University has experienced unprecedented growth, expanding its footprint to include over 37,000 students online and across 23 physical campuses. Her strategic vision encompasses all facets of the institution, from operations and growth strategies to ensuring the success of both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Before her tenure at Adtalem, Dr. Cox significantly impacted children's healthcare during her 30-year career at Children’s Mercy – Kansas City, where she started as a nurse manager and most recently served as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Her leadership was instrumental in the hospital's achievement of the prestigious Magnet designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2003, a first for hospitals in Missouri and the region, underscoring her commitment to nursing excellence.

Dr. Cox's contributions to the field extend into academia and research, with numerous articles published in leading nursing and healthcare journals. In 2021, Chamberlain was one of only 10 organizations awarded a $1.1 million grant from the ANF Reimaging Nurse Project. The focus of the grant is on research of a new model supplementing BSN education called Practice Ready. Specialty Focused.™. This model allows students to participate in intensive didactic clinical experiences in partnership with nursing specialty associations such as AORN, ENA, ONS and AACN. She also developed a patent for a surveillance and analysis tool that helps identify, monitor and analyze trends and patterns of interest within an organization.  

These are just a few of the countless examples of her expertise and leadership, reinforcing her role as a thought leader and advocate for health equity, nursing education and practice. Her career is marked by notable leadership roles within prominent healthcare and nursing associations, including the American Hospital Association and the American Academy of Nursing, where she served as president from 2017 to 2019.

Her academic achievements, including degrees from Excelsior College, the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri – Kansas City, have equipped her with a deep understanding and expertise in nursing that she continues to leverage in her quest to elevate nursing education and practice at Chamberlain University.

Dr. Karen Cox's career is a testament to her visionary leadership and her profound impact on the nursing profession and nursing education, healthcare quality, student success and the care of children and their families. Her legacy at Chamberlain University and beyond is characterized by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.