Melissa Wheeles is a new faculty member from Milledgeville, Ga. Wheeles graduated from AUCON with a bachelor's degree in nursing. She continued her education, earning a master’s degree and family nurse practitioner certificate from Troy University, and a doctor of nursing practice from Jacksonville state University.
She has been an Auburn Tiger from an early age, as many in her family attended AU. She states, "My husband and I loved the school and town so much during our college years, we decided to make it our home.”
Over her career, she has accumulated various nursing experiences and sees returning to Auburn as an employee as truly incredible.
Wheeles, who will be teaching Primary Care Nurse Practitioner courses in the graduate program, hopes that “graduate students constantly strive for mastery in their discipline while maintaining the care and compassion they possessed from day one of nursing.”
She believes that nursing involves teaching. “Regardless of whether one is bedside or in education, a substantial portion of nursing expertise is dedicated to educating others. As a professor of nursing, my objective is to exemplify a commitment to lifelong learning, critical thinking, and holistic care," she stated.
Her research interests include coronary artery disease and access to care. “I hope to become involved in research opportunities within the next few years. Thankfully, I will be with an amazing team of researchers who will help me grow in this area.
Wheeles will also assist with the Mobile Clinic offered by AUCON and EAH, providing primary care to the community. The role of a nursing educator can be demanding but rewarding for those who are passionate about their work. In her free time, Wheeles enjoys spending time with her family, reading, attending sports events, and visiting the beach.
