Margie Hair, PhD

RN to BSN Coordinator
Associate Professor of Nursing

Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences

51�Թ� Me

I have been married to my husband for more than 40 years, and together we have been blessed with two wonderful children. We also share our home with Maggie, our golden retriever and certified therapy dog. Maggie and I enjoy spending time with students and experiencing the enthusiasm, energy, and sense of purpose they bring to our university community. Outside of work, my husband and I enjoy camping, fishing, and spending time outdoors, where we can appreciate the beauty of God's creation.

Why I’m At Mary

The University of Mary's mission and Benedictine values align closely with both my nursing philosophy and my approach to education. Throughout my career, I have believed that caring, service, and respect for the dignity of every person are foundational to both nursing practice and effective teaching.

I am passionate about creating a supportive learning environment where students feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to succeed. Whether in the classroom or online, I strive to foster meaningful connections that encourage students to grow academically, professionally, and personally. The Benedictine values of community, hospitality, and respect for persons guide my interactions with students and inspire my commitment to helping them achieve their educational and professional goals.

One of the greatest privileges of being a nurse educator is witnessing students develop confidence in their abilities and embrace their roles as professional nurses. I am honored to be part of that journey and to support students as they build upon their nursing knowledge and prepare for future leadership opportunities within the profession.

Expertise

I have been a registered nurse for more than 40 years, with clinical experience spanning a variety of critical care settings, including neuro-medical, cardiac, surgical/trauma, and general intensive care units. Throughout my nursing career, I have maintained a special interest in cardiovascular care and spent 15 years working in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, where patient education and health promotion were central to my practice.

For the past two decades, my professional focus has been on nursing education. As a nurse educator, I have had the opportunity to teach and mentor students across a variety of educational settings, helping them develop clinical judgment, strengthen professional competencies, and successfully navigate the transition to increasingly complex nursing roles. I am particularly passionate about supporting registered nurses as they advance their education and expand their impact on patient care, healthcare systems, and the nursing profession.

Education

PhD (Nursing Science): New Mexico State University, 2011
MSN: University of Phoenix, 2005
BA (Nursing): College of Saint Scholastica, 1981