Shelly Fischer, PhD, RN, CNE may be a newcomer to her role, but she’s no stranger to the Front Range, healthcare leadership, and the University of Colorado College of Nursing.
Born in Greeley, Fischer (PhD Nursing ’14, MS Nursing ’95) grew up in the Midwest. Her father taught educational psychology and secondary education at Northern Illinois University.
“He was really an amazing teacher, and I learned a lot from him about the philosophy of teaching,” she says. “Even though we teach the masses, it’s really about one-to-one engagement: Learning who the student is, what’s important to them, and what inspires them, is what truly makes a difference.”
After earning her BSN from the University of Iowa in 1982, Fischer moved back to Colorado in 1983 and found her career. She earned an MS in 1995 and a PhD in 2014 – both from CU Nursing. With more than 35 years of experience as a nurse executive and leader, she is uniquely qualified for her role as associate professor and specialty director of the i-LEAD Nursing Leadership and Health Systems Program at CU Nursing.
Starting the position in January earlier this year, Fischer came to CU Nursing after serving as faculty at the University of Wyoming and Front Range Community College.
“I have the lens of both the student and faculty at CU Nursing,” she says. “It’s really great to be back.”
Recently, Fischer talked about her career, her teaching philosophy, and her life outside of the classroom.
“I believe that learning happens during times of discomfort – when we are facing dilemmas and we are struggling. It doesn’t happen in those sit-back-and-relax moments.”
– CU Nursing Associate Professor and Specialty Director the i-LEAD Program, Shelly Fischer, PhD, RN, CNE
