Nursing and women’s health expert Beth Youngblood has been appointed executive associate dean for Lipscomb University’s School of Nursing, housed in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the university announced Monday.

Youngblood will continue to expand Lipscomb’s nursing program and curriculum, which focuses not only on preparing nurses clinically but also emphasizes the importance of bedside interaction with patients and their families.

“Beth brings a rich background as a practicing nurse and an educator to the School of Nursing,” Roger Davis, dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, said in a release. “Having worked in the field she has a unique perspective as she leads the academic component of this program that will help our students be better prepared for their careers.”

Youngblood began her career as a nurse in a Nashville obstetrics and gynecology practice as well as for a general practice office. She also worked as a labor and delivery nurse at Maury Regional Hospital in Columbia. In addition, Youngblood taught obstetrics at Columbia State Community College for nine years. From 2002 until 2012, Youngblood was on faculty at Belmont University’s School of Nursing, where she also served as course coordinator for the maternal infant course curriculum committee leadership council.

Youngblood is also a certified women’s health nurse practitioner.