FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas Wesleyan University’s Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia (GPNA) has announced two leadership appointments that will further strengthen one of the nation’s premier nurse anesthesia programs. 

Dr. Brian Cornelius has been named program director, while Dr. Bailey Freeman has been appointed director of simulation. Together, they will lead the program’s continued commitment to academic excellence, innovation and preparing future Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to meet the evolving needs of healthcare. 

Brian Cornelius Named Program Director 
Dr. Brian Cornelius, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C, FAANA, has been appointed program director of the Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia. 

A respected educator, clinician and leader, Cornelius joined the GPNA faculty in 2020 and most recently led the program’s nationally recognized simulation curriculum. He serves as an associate professor and maintains an active clinical practice at John Peter Smith Hospital. As a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FAANA), he is recognized for his contributions to the profession and commitment to advancing nurse anesthesia education. 

His professional interests include simulation-based education, trauma anesthesia, leadership development and preparing future CRNAs to excel in a wide range of clinical practice settings. As program director, Cornelius will continue advancing GPNA’s tradition of academic excellence while fostering innovation and student success. 

Bailey Freeman Named Director of Simulation  
Dr. Bailey Freeman, DNP, CRNA, has been named director of simulation for the Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia. 

Freeman has been instrumental in resident education through simulation, clinical instruction and mentorship. An accomplished educator and practicing CRNA, she brings expertise in high-fidelity simulation, crisis resource management, artificial intelligence and competency-based education. 

In her new role, Freeman will oversee and continue expanding GPNA’s comprehensive simulation curriculum, helping ensure residents develop the clinical judgment, technical expertise and confidence needed to deliver exceptional patient care in today’s complex healthcare environments. 

Continuing a Tradition of Excellence 
These leadership appointments reflect Texas Wesleyan’s ongoing investment in one of the nation’s leading nurse anesthesia programs. Under the leadership of Dr. Cornelius and Dr. Freeman, the TXWES GPNA will continue preparing highly skilled, compassionate nurse anesthesia professionals through innovative instruction, immersive simulation experiences and rigorous clinical training.