Connie Barker, Ph.D., MSN, BSN, has been named the new director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP) program at Texas Wesleyan University.

In her new role, Barker will manage all aspects of the program while ensuring it meets accreditation expectations. She will also advise students, develop clinical practicum partnerships and lead the hiring and management of faculty and staff.

“We are fortunate to have Dr. Barker serve as program director for the DNP-FNP program,” said Heidi Taylor, dean of the School of Health Professions. “As an expert practicing Family Nurse Practitioner, a former program director and long-time educator, Dr. Barker brings a strong background to lead our young program and has already demonstrated deep insights and an ability to lead our excellent faculty as we serve our students.”

Barker brings nearly 20 years in academics to the role, beginning with her work as an FNP lecturer at the University of Texas El Paso where she earned her MSN and BSN in nursing. She also has nearly 50 years of clinical experience, having been a registered nurse since 1971. After eight years of teaching at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, including two years as FNP program coordinator, she joined Texas Wesleyan as an associate professor in 2018.

Join TXWES in congratulating Dr. Barker for being named DNP-FNP program director.