WVU School of Nursing welcomes research leader

Deborah Shelton named E. Jane Martin Professor and Associate Dean for Research

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Deborah Shelton, Ph.D., R.N., has joined the West Virginia University School of Nursing as the endowed E. Jane Martin Professor and Associate Dean for Research. Dr. Shelton’s own research focuses upon the health disparities of persons who are incarcerated, particularly the services provided to those with mental disabilities.

“We’re so fortunate to have Dr. Shelton join School of Nursing administration,” Georgia Narsavage, Ph.D., dean of the School of Nursing, said. “She’s a true leader in her field, both as a nursing educator and researcher. The research efforts of faculty and graduate students will be well supported under her mentorship.”

Shelton will be responsible for strategic planning and management of the school's research agenda. In addition to policy making and oversight, Shelton will further research growth and the promotion and facilitation of all research activities.

A frequently published author and presenter, Shelton currently participates on four national and international task forces addressing nursing and clinical practice challenges in prisons and jails. She is a fellow and member of the American Academy of Nursing’s Expert Panel on Violence and serves on numerous editorial boards. Shelton has been recognized by the International Association for Forensic Nurses and the Connecticut Chapter of the American Nurses Association for her research and leadership in correctional nursing.

Shelton holds a bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Bridgeport and a master’s degree in nursing and business from the University of Washington. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Virginia and completed post-doctoral studies in health services research at Johns Hopkins University. She previously held a faculty position at the University of Connecticut. Shelton is certified in nursing administration and correctional health.

Dean Narsavage will host a reception honoring Shelton’s appointment Friday, Dec. 9 at the WVU Health Sciences Center.


Attention reporters and editors: If you are interested in interviewing/photographing Dr. Deborah Shelton, please call the HSC News Service in Morgantown at 304-293-7087 in advance.