I graduated in 1999 from Mississippi College with my BSN. My career in medical-surgical nursing, and then transitioned into women’s health. I completed my MSN with emphasis in Nursing Education in 2008 from Belmont University, and I transitioned into a clinical educator position in women’s health. I transitioned my career and spent time working on a cardiac stepdown unit. I spent 5 years teaching at a community college while working per diem in women’s health. My interest in pregnancy and addiction led me to work at an addiction unit in a psychiatric hospital. My role transitioned to supervisor and then to a manager. I completed my DNP with emphasis in executive leadership in 2024 from Union University, and I received my certification from ANCC as a Nurse Executive. I have taught clinical for many years, and I enjoy working with students.

I have two children, and I enjoy being active.

Professor Santi joins our faculty as a Professor of Exercise and Sport Science, bringing over two decades of expertise in sports performance and athlete development. Most recently, William served as the Director of Sports Performance at Providence Christian Academy in Murfreesboro, TN, where he established a comprehensive sports performance program. His work involved designing and implementing strength and conditioning programs across all school sports, overseeing fitness and wellness classes, and managing athlete rehabilitation and nutrition programs.

Prior to his tenure at PCA, William was the Director of Sports Performance at Wil Power Sports Training in Nashville, TN. His contributions there included developing sport-specific strength and conditioning programs, speed and agility training, and specialized programming for athletes as young as seven years old. He also trained college football players for the NFL Combine, with 88 of his trainees being drafted, all no later than the 6th round and provided specialized coaching for each player’s position.

Professor Santi holds an M.S. in Sport and Exercise Science from Cumberland University and a B.S. in Exercise Science with a minor in Communications from the University of Rhode Island. He is a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach (RSCC), a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP), and holds multiple other certifications from prestigious organizations such as USA Weightlifting, USA Track and Field, and USA Powerlifting.

Professor Santi’s professional background is distinguished by his achievements as a former team captain, MVP, and All-American football player at the University of Rhode Island. His experience extends to professional football, with stints in the NFL, the Arena Football League, and as part of the NFL Europe Rhein Fire team, which won the World Bowl in 2000. In his spare time, he is also a competitive powerlifter with USA Powerlifting.

Hello all, My name is John Beal, I am currently the clinical coordinator for a medical/surgical unit at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. I graduated from Tennessee Technical University in 2020 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I have a deep passion for my career and I take great pride in sharing my knowledge and experience over the years. I worked as a CNA for 8 years prior to getting my degree and loved the close relationship that exists between all components of the nursing team. In all positions I have held I was always part of the preceptor team, training new hires and students alike. I look forward to working with the students at Cumberland University, many who have graduated and hold positions currently here at CRMC and are among some of our best nurses. I hope to share my passion for nursing and help prepare students for their exciting new future.

I graduated in 2012 from Tennessee State University with my Associates Degree in nursing. I have worked in urology, critical care, and public health, however I discovered my passion for Women’s Health when I began working Labor & Delivery. In 2017, I started at Sumner Regional Medical Center on the postpartum floor and have continued to love being a member of that team! I took on the role of care coordinator for my unit (L&D, Women’s, Nursery) in 2022 and obtained my BSN from WGU in February of 2024. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and passion for OB with the next generation of nurses!

Lauren Vogel is an adjunct instructor within the School of Nursing in the women’s health and newborn course. Lauren is a women’s health nurse practitioner who graduated from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She is a native Nashvillian. Lauren earned her undergraduate nursing degree from The University of Tennessee and began her nursing career in the neonatal intensive care unit. She worked as a bedside nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit for seven years. She currently works as a nurse practitioner specializing in women’s health and urogynecology. During her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and two year old son, cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers, reading, and traveling.

Katherine Poston is an alumni from Cumberland University who graduated with her BSN in 2010. Katherine started her nursing career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at National HealthCare Corporation in Cookeville, TN.

While attending Cumberland University, Katherine was hired at Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) as a CNA. She worked on the weekends gaining experience while attending nursing school. Once she completed nursing school, she was hired on the Pulmonary Unit at CRMC. Katherine worked on this specialty floor from 2009-2014. From 2014-2015, Katherine took a break from working in the hospital setting to working for the State of Tennessee in their Newborn Screening Division.

In the Summer of 2015, Katherine returned to the hospital setting and started working for Livingston Regional Hospital (LRH) in their Intensive Care Unit. She has worked diligently to care for vulnerable patient populations. Katherine also floats to the Medical-Surgical, Rehab, and Same Day surgery units at LRH.  During this time at LRH, Katherine has found a love for mentoring and teaching new nurses.

Katherine believes that delivering nursing care to a person is an honor and teaching future nurses of tomorrow is a blessing. She is excited to apply this principle to her teaching role to help shape the next generation of Cumberland University nurses.

Outside of work, Katherine enjoys running, hiking and spending time with her family.