National Nurse Practitioner Week: Faculty Perspectives
Posted on November 12, 2026
In recognition of National Nurse Practitioner Week, the University of South Alabama College of Nursing is honoring graduate faculty members whose teaching, clinical practice and mentorship help shape the future of advanced practice nursing.
From primary care clinics and international health outreach to neonatal intensive care units, nurse practitioners combine advanced clinical knowledge with compassionate patient care. Through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on clinical preparation, South Alabama graduate faculty prepare master's and doctoral students to lead across diverse care environments.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Penni Huffman
As part of the graduate faculty, Dr. Penni Huffman focuses on preparing advanced practice
nursing students for high-acuity, specialized environments, particularly in neonatal
care. Her work emphasizes clinical precision, family support and student mentorship. 
"What keeps me passionate about teaching is watching graduate students develop the confidence and clinical reasoning needed to care for our most vulnerable patients," Huffman said. "Preparing nurses to step into specialized advanced practice roles requires high standards, but supporting them through that process is deeply rewarding."
Her advice for prospective graduate students is to remain focused on the core purpose of advanced practice care.
"Commit to continuous learning and remember that your clinical precision directly impacts patient outcomes and family experiences during critical moments," she said.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Kristina Miller
Dr. Kristina Miller brings real-world service and global health perspectives into
the classroom, integrating primary care expertise with international clinical outreach.
Through service trips to Guatemala, she demonstrates how advanced practice nurses
deliver essential care in diverse and resource-limited settings. 
"Exposing students to global health outreach helps them understand the broad scope and adaptability required in primary care," Miller said. "Whether practicing locally or abroad, advanced practice nursing is centered on building trust, improving access and meeting community health needs."
She encourages nurses considering graduate study to seek broad clinical experiences and embrace service-learning opportunities.
"Step out of your comfort zone whenever possible," Miller advised. "The clinical adaptability and cultural competence you gain through unique service experiences will serve your patients throughout your career."
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Kirsten Pancione
Dr. Kirsten Pancione plays a key role in guiding graduate students through advanced
clinical education, emphasizing clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice and student
mentorship. Her work highlights the importance of expanding access to care and addressing
complex patient needs in modern healthcare systems. 
"Mentoring the next generation of nurse practitioners is about fostering critical thinking and clinical judgment," Pancione said. "Our graduate programs focus on equipping students with the tools to navigate complex care settings while keeping patient wellbeing at the center of their practice."
Her advice for nurses advancing their education is to build strong professional networks and prioritize patient-centered communication.
"Focus on developing strong listening skills and strong clinical foundations," Pancione said. "As an advanced practice nurse, your ability to evaluate evidence and communicate effectively is just as vital as your clinical skills."
