Dr. Martina Harris, Chattanooga State’s Assistant Dean of Nursing and Allied Health and Registered Nursing Program Director, was recently appointed to the Tennessee Board of Nursing (TBON) by Governor Bill Lee. As one of 11 board members, she will serve a four-year term and represent Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional District.

The Board of Nursing was created and signed into law in 1911 with its mission is to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of Tennesseans by requiring that all who practice nursing within this state are qualified and licensed to practice. In 2018, Tennessee reported over 147,000 actively licensed nurses.

Dr. Harris brings more than 27 years of varied nursing experience to the TBON with 16 of those serving the field of higher education. She has been at Chattanooga State since 2013. “It is my honor and privilege to be appointed to the Tennessee Board of Nursing (TBON) by Governor Bill Lee,” states Dr. Harris. “This appointment will allow me to use my expertise to continue to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans.”

Board member responsibilities center around three broad functions—licensure, education and practice. The board grants licenses to licensed practical nurses, registered nurses and advanced practice nurses (certificate) who meet the requirements of the statutes and rules.

“We are so very proud that Dr. Martina Harris has been appointed to the Tennessee Board of Nursing,” notes Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Chattanooga State president, adding, “Under Dr. Harris’s leadership, the Chattanooga State nursing program has been recognized by multiple entities for its excellence. I know that Dr. Harris will use her technical knowledge and leadership skills to advance the field of nursing for the entire state.”