Nebraska Methodist College appoints new nursing leadership

Omaha, Nebraska - New nursing leadership brings expertise to Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) to strengthen its nursing program.

Dr. Mindy Barna is the director of nursing operations and Dr. Jillian Krumbach is the director of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

“Their extensive experience and expertise from previous leadership roles within higher education will undoubtedly strengthen our Division of Nursing and BSN program,” said Dr. Amy Clark, vice president of academic affairs. “Mindy and Jillian have that special 'heart set' that is so vital to our mission at NMC and are truly a dynamic duo on all fronts. We look forward to their valuable contributions and leadership in advancing our nursing education initiatives.”

Barna has worked in higher education since 2006, serving in various administrative roles, each increasing in complexity and leadership responsibilities. 

She most recently served as the associate dean of health professions at the College of Saint Mary, where her primary focus was guiding emerging graduate-level health professionals toward securing their initial accreditation.

Barna has a passion for research, focusing on nursing student retention and advocating for the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion within the higher education landscape.

“As we continue to face a national nursing shortage, it is essential that we equip students with the knowledge and compassion needed to make a profound impact on healthcare,” Barna said. “It is an exciting time to be a nurse educator and I'm thrilled with the opportunity to serve on this team of exceptional faculty who guide students to discover the meaning of care."

Barna earned a Master of Science in Nursing from NMC, an Associate and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Saint Mary and a certification in college student wellbeing, trauma and resilience from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla.

Krumbach, who previously served as the chief enrollment and business management officer at NMC, has been a nurse for over 15 years. 

She graduated from NMC’s accelerated nursing program and began her career in transplant surgery and later joined Indian Health Services in Rosebud, SD working as an inpatient nurse. 

Krumbach then returned to NMC working in professional development and undergraduate nursing as an adjunct. 

In the past 11 years at NMC, she has served a variety of roles in nursing leadership and continued her education, gaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Nurse Executive and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Clinical Systems Administration. 

Her passion for nursing education and service to NMC led Krumbach to seek out the BSN program director role. She continues to teach students in the DNP program, serving as a graduate adjunct faculty member.

“As a graduate of NMC’s accelerated nursing program, the education I received has prepared me for each moment in my nursing career,” Krumbach said. “I am humbled to walk alongside undergraduate nursing faculty as they teach the next generation of nurses. I am excited for the future of NMC’s BSN program and look forward to my role in the ultimate success of our students.”

Nursing education is at the heart of NMC. Established in 1891, NMC has more than 130 years of successful nursing graduates. NMC’s top accredited Division of Nursing offers certificates, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees for those seeking careers as nurses.