Dr. Pennington has been a registered nurse for 40 years and nursing faculty for approximately 13 years. Dr. Pennington obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health Systems Leadership from James Madison University, Master of Science in Nursing Education from Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jefferson College of Health Sciences, and Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Bluefield State College. Professional background includes clinical expertise in critical care, health systems leadership, injury prevention, and parish nursing. Research participation has focused on a variety of subjects such as quality improvement, mentoring students in the clinical environment, simulation training for nursing students and registered nurses, caring behaviors of nurse faculty, and providing nursing care in light-limited environments using night vision lenses. Dr. Pennington is a member of Sigma Epsilon Psi and a long-term steering committee member for Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC). She maintains national certification as a Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor and credentials as a CarFit Coordinator and Parish Nurse for her faith community.