Educational History

B.S.N., Indiana University of Pennsylvania
M.S.N., University of Pennsylvania
Ph.D., Catholic University of America

Roles at Shenandoah University

• Dean, Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing
• Interim Dean, School of Nursing
• Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs
• Assistant Professor of Nursing
• Adjunct Professor of Nursing 

Fields of Expertise

• Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Maternal and newborn nursing
• Nursing leadership and academic administration
• Undergraduate nursing education
• Faculty development and student success
• Clinical practice in labor and delivery, postpartum, and newborn care  

Research Interests

• Empathy, empowerment, and caring behaviors in nursing
• Attitudes toward pregnant women using opioids
• Improving nursing care for women experiencing opioid use and misuse during pregnancy 

Leadership & Impact

Dr. Levinson joined Shenandoah University in 2005 as an adjunct clinical faculty member and was hired as an assistant professor in 2015. She later served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Interim Dean before being named Dean in 2023. Her leadership has strengthened one of Virginia’s top-performing nursing programs, including exceptional NCLEX pass rates and innovative partnerships that address regional nursing workforce shortages. 

Under Dr. Levinson’s leadership, the School of Nursing has expanded strategic partnerships, such as NextGen Nurses with Valley Health, to help address nursing shortages across the region. Shenandoah’s undergraduate nursing program has also earned recognition as one of the top private nursing programs in Virginia, with standout licensure outcomes and graduate certification success.  

Her leadership style emphasizes vision, compassion, and a commitment to preparing the next generation of nurses to serve with excellence and purpose.

Community Leadership

Dr. Levinson has served on several boards and committees within the community, including the Powhatan School Board, Healthy Families of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Advisory Board, the Virginia Association of Colleges of Nursing Board (Treasurer), Sigma Rho Pi Chapter Nursing Honor Society (President, Secretary, Governance Chair), Westminster Canterbury Foundation Board, and the INOVA Loudoun Hospital Quality Committee.

Teaching Philosophy

Dr. Levinson is known for fostering a supportive and student-centered learning environment grounded in high expectations, mentorship, and practical preparation for clinical success. Her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering future nurses with both technical expertise and compassionate care.

Awards & Honors

•  Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, Rho Pi Chapter, Excellence in Leadership (2025)
•  Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, Rho Pi Chapter, Excellence in Nursing Research, Winchester, VA (2024)
• · Selected to provide PhD in Nursing Reflection, Commencement, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC (2023)
• Alumni Award, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC (2023)
• ·Ph.D. Research Finalist, The Catholic University of America Research Conference, Washington, DC (2023)
•  Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Rho Pi Chapter, Excellence in Leadership, Shenandoah University School of Nursing, Winchester, VA (2022)
• Sons and Daughters of the Stars Award for Leadership, Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing (2022)
• Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Kappa Chapter Research Grant Award (2022)
• Founders’ Day Award- Kappa Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC (2020)
• The Dean’s Faculty Excellence Award, Shenandoah University Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing, Winchester, VA (2018)