Asbury University continues to strengthen its new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with the addition of experienced nurse educators Holly Matthews, MSN, RN, and Lorri Phillips, RN, BSN.
“In addition to significant marketplace needs for a skilled nursing workforce, a BSN program at Asbury aligns with our desire for holistic and rigorous head and heart education so our students can effectively serve the spheres they come to inhabit.” — Asbury University President Dr. Kevin Brown.
Matthews joins Asbury as Assistant Professor of Nursing, bringing nearly three decades of nursing experience and more than 10 years of nursing education leadership. Throughout her career, she has taught Practical Nursing (PN), Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students while mentoring programs that achieved NCLEX pass rates between 96 and 100 percent.
Matthews has coordinated clinical placements for more than 100 nursing students, designed curriculum across multiple nursing disciplines, and led accreditation and regulatory compliance efforts. Her teaching experience spans Childbearing and Family Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology, Community and Public Health Nursing, and Professional Role Development. She also brings extensive clinical experience in maternal-newborn nursing, pediatric care, and women’s health.
Asbury also welcomes Phillips to the growing nursing faculty. Phillips currently serves as an LPN instructor and simulation lab manager while completing a Master of Science in Nursing Education degree at Northern Kentucky University. Her professional experience includes teaching pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, and allied health courses, as well as clinical work in oncology, pediatrics, hospice care, and general medical nursing.
The faculty additions come as Asbury welcomes BSN students in the Shaw School of Sciences. AU launched the program in 2025 to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals while advancing its mission of Christ-centered education.
The launch of Asbury’s BSN program marks a major milestone at a time of critical healthcare workforce shortages in Kentucky and across the nation.
In August 2024, Asbury appointed Dr. Connie Lamb, RN, CNE, CHSE, as Nursing Program Administrator and Associate Professor. Lamb previously served at Eastern Kentucky University, Berea College, and Bluegrass Community and Technical College, most recently as Associate Dean & Director of Nursing.
Inspired by Galatians 5:13, ‘Serve one another humbly in love,’ we are committed to cultivating nurses who exemplify excellence, empathy, and a Christ-centered approach to nursing care.”
The Asbury University Shaw School of Sciences includes five departments: Biology & Chemistry, Equine Studies, Exercise Science, Mathematics & Computer Science, and Nursing. Asbury’s Department of Equine Studies includes undergraduate majors in Equine Assisted Services, Equine Science, and Equine Studies and undergraduate minors in Equine Business Management and Equine Studies.