Melissa D. Scott
Associate Professor
Dr. Scott served as an Emergency Department nurse for 20 years before transitioning into nursing education. After serving in the role as a nursing professional development specialist at Duke University Health Systems, she began teaching at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, NC. From there, Dr. Scott joined UNCW in 2015 as a lecturer earning promotion to Assistant Professor after completing her PhD in 2017. She was again promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure in 2024. Dr. Scott currently holds the appointed position of Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Coordinator where she manages all aspects of the program including but not limited to program assessment and evaluation, curriculum, student admissions and progression, and faculty onboarding. In addition, she maintains professional service, a focused program of research, and continues to deliver high quality education in several programs in the UNCW School of Nursing.
Education
PhD, Nursing, East Carolina University, 2017
MSN, Education track, East Carolina University, 2010
BSN, Nursing, East Carolina University, 2007
ADN, Nursing, Central Carolina Technical College, 1999
Specialization in Teaching
Dr. Scott has expertise in nursing education teaching across Prelicensure, RN-BSN, MSN-NE, and DNP programs. Instruction extends outside of the physical classroom to clinical and virtual learning settings. In addition, Dr. Scott has mentored and instructed students on a variety of Honor's projects, served as a preceptor for MSN-NE students, and project liaison for several doctoral students.
Research Interests
Nursing Education
Clinical Education
Prelicensure Nursing Student Mental Health and Well-being
Use of AI in clinical and classroom nursing education
Professional Service
UNCW Prelicensure and ABSN Committee Chair
UNCW School of Nursing: Chair-Elect, Curriculum Committee
UNCW Institutional Review Board, Committee Member
UNCW University Studies Advisory Committee
National League for Nursing Commission on Nursing Education Accreditation: Program Evaluator