Dr. Teresa “Tese” Stephens is a nurse educator, researcher, and consultant with almost 35 years experience in both practice and academic settings, from adjunct faculty to Dean.  She is the author of Stephens’ Model of Resilience and the founder of RN P.R.E.P. (Personal Resilience Enhancement Plan). Her research is focused on RESILIENCE, specifically as a tool to promote well-being and professional fulfillment in nurses, nursing students, and other clinicians, with an emphasis on the radical transformation of academia. Much of this work is built upon the narratives of Holocaust survivors. She is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and serves as a consultant, advisor, and member of several professional organizations, task forces, and work groups. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Tennessee State University, her Master of Science in Nursing from King College, a post-graduate certificate in nursing education from the University of Tennessee, and her Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Tennessee. She is the author of multiple publications and book chapters and a frequent presenter at regional, national, and international conferences and workshops. Her favorite role is as “Nonnie” to Emmie and Owen.

Dr. Tese Stephens as a new graduate nurse (1986)