Preparing to Serve: Meet Kelly Harden, New Dean of Nursing
To the recently-vacated position, Harden brings experience and a Christ-centered vision of excellence.
Last fall, Mississippi College Provost Dr. Michael J. Highfield alerted students, faculty, and staff that Dr. Kelly Harden would be joining MC’s instructional body as the new School of Nursing Dean, effective February 2025.
After the departure of former MCSON Dean, Dr. Kimberly Sharp, Dr. Lisa Eichelberger had taken on the role of interim dean for the 14 months before Harden was officially appointed. A retirement reception for Eichelberger is scheduled from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18 in the Cockroft Hall administrative offices.
Now, with Harden’s appointment in effect, the MC School of Nursing looks toward a strong new future under Harden’s leadership and experience.
“Dr. Harden’s academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to nursing education and practice.” Highfield highlighted.
Harden is a seasoned nurse practitioner and scholar with over four decades of experience. Currently, she is a certified family nurse practitioner as well as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Harden has 18 years of academic experience, including her recent tenure as the Dean of the College of Nursing at Union University, bringing both knowledge and passion into her new role.
“I heard about MC through a recruitment firm, and as I asked friends about it, I found that I knew several faculty who had taught here in the past, and some of the graduate students I worked with had earned their undergraduate nursing degrees here,” Harden explained. “ I asked colleagues and friends who live in Mississippi about MC, and they all had wonderful things to say.”
Harden felt drawn to MC’s warmth and dedicated spirit, and through prayer and reflection, she felt called to join the MC community and contribute to its growth. “I saw the commitment of everyone to the mission of the college,” Harden explained.
An exemplar of MC’s standard of academic excellence, the School of Nursing is widely recognized as a strong program. “[MCSON has a] rich tradition of excellence, and the faculty here are gifted in educating nurses,” Harden said, alluding to her knowledge of MC nursing students’ outstanding student outcomes and the program’s reputation among Mississippi healthcare institutions.
Harden envisions that the program would expand its reach in terms of enrollment and introduce new academic offerings. Harden aims to establish MCSON as a nationally recognized nursing program, especially distinct for integrating faith in learning. Harden’s efforts will focus on strengthening the academic curriculum to improve pass rates and postgraduate employment statuses.
“I believe that God has a plan for the MCSON, and we are listening to His voice as we move forward,” Harden said. “Again, increasing enrollment and growing programs are goals we aspire to.”
Harden recognizes the challenges that nursing students face. She reiterates that MC offers academic and emotional support to MC’s faculties, who are committed to ensuring student success. “The College has mental health services for students,” Harden commented. “Faculty in the SON meet with students to discuss their progression and create plans for success if they are struggling. Hebrews 10:24 is a great scripture for this – it encourages us to ‘stir up one another to love and good works.’”
For the new dean, both nursing and education are far more than professions – they are “callings.” Harden’s passion to shape the future of the nursing program at MC stems from her deep belief in education and service to God and others.
“I have loved my nursing career, and it gives me great joy to share that with students and to prepare them to serve as Christian nurses, meeting the needs of patients with the love of Christ,” Harden said.
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