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Omaha, Nebraska - Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) has appointed Kiley Petersmith as coordinator for its doctoral public health policy programs.
Petersmith, the former director of NMC’s Center for Diversity and Community Engagement (CDCE), recently transitioned to a new role as assistant professor and coordinator of public health policy tracks.
NMC offers public health policy tracks in its Doctor of Nursing (DNP) and Doctor of Education (EdD) programs.
“Kiley’s work in health policy and community health are invaluable and she will be a great mentor to our doctoral students as they learn their new role and go on to be change agents in their own communities,” said Tara Whitmire, DNP program director.
An alum of NMC, Petersmith received her DNP in Public Health Policy, Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator (MSN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the College.
“Throughout my career, I have focused on, witnessed and worked to address access to equitable and preventative healthcare services and the social determinants of health,” said Petersmith. “This work has given me a deep understanding of the systemic challenges that marginalized communities face, as well as practical insights into how policy can drive meaningful change. This new role will allow me to translate this real-world experience into actionable knowledge for students, empowering them to think critically about how they can influence systems to promote health equity that create transformative impact at local, national and global levels.”
Educating healthcare professionals in public health policy helps strengthen community connection and addresses local healthcare challenges to enhance the well-being of the community, which is part of the long-term strategic plan at NMC.
As the public health policy track coordinator, Petersmith will coordinate, implement, evaluate and revise the curriculum courses offered, including Advanced Public Health, Population Health, Public Health Policy, Environmental Health, Civic Health, Public Health Ethics, and residency and practicum experiences.
She will also be responsible for delivering high-quality academic instruction in public health policy, mentoring students to be engaged citizens and change agents in their developing professional roles and address critical public health challenges through policy analysis, education and advocacy.
Petersmith began her nursing career in pediatrics, working in critical care and emergency medicine before transitioning to academia at her alma mater.
She serves on many boards and coalitions in the community, including the Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance, the Omaha Public Schools Health Advisory committee, the Nebraska Childhood Lead Prevention Advisory Group, the Healthy Housing Omaha and various committees within Nebraska Methodist College.
She was the co-lead for Nebraska's Nursing Action Coalition and was one of 30 individuals in the nation to complete a fellowship program with the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, engaging in policy and leadership initiatives that work to improve social and environmental conditions impacting health.
Petersmith received the 2024 Omaha World-Herald Heart of Healthcare award, the 2022 NMC Alumni Horizon award, the March of Dimes Public Health Nursing Hero award, the Champions of Change Community Partnership award, the Omaha Housing Authority Making a Difference award, the Caroline Scott Spirit of Excellence Award and was a Nebraska Action Coalition 40 Under 40 recipient.