Impact Lives

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Faculty

The Department of Nursing and Health at Benedictine University is comprised of nurse leaders from around the nation. They offer experience from all levels of nursing and from years in clinical, administrative and educational roles. They have contributed to the advancement of nursing practice through research as well as by passing on their knowledge via teaching others. They are ready to help you on your personal nursing journey.

Mary Bemker

Mary Bemker, D.N.Sc., M.S.N., RN

Adjunct Faculty

Dr. Mary Bemker has taught in various learning environments, and has over 16 years’ experience teaching online.


Max Ghaffari, PhD

Max Ghaffari, PhD

Associate Professor

Dr. Ghaffari joined Benedictine University, Department of Nursing and Health in August 2017 as Associate Professor. His academic journey began with studying Medical Technology followed by Medicine.


Deborah Jezuit

Deborah Jezuit, Ph.D., M.S., RN

Interim Department Chair & Associate Professor, Nursing and Health; Director of RN to BSN Program

Dr. Jezuit joined Benedictine in 2010 as an adjunct faculty and was appointed as an assistant professor in August 2014.


Marti Kessack

Marti Kessack, Ph.D., M.S.N., RN

Adjunct Faculty

Dr. Marti Kessack has been teaching nursing and health sciences since 2005 both on-ground and online. Her career has been vast and varied expanding over the following positions and experiences: Emergency Department Charge Nurse, Oncology Nursing, and Nursing Simulation Lab Director.


Dr. Camille McNicholas

Camille McNicholas, Ph.D., M.S., B.S.N., RN, C.R.N.A., A.P.R.N.

Adjunct Faculty

Dr. McNicholas has been teaching online in various positions for 20 years.


Sarah Mutschlecner

Sarah Mutschlecner, D.N.P., M.S.N., RN, FNP-BC

Adjunct Faculty

Dr. Mutschlecner’s nursing experience spans over three decades and as a nurse practitioner she has practiced in the University setting and also small rural clinics.


Gina Panozzo

Gina Panozzo, D.N.P., M.S.N., RN-BC, CNE

Assistant Professor

Gina Panozzo joined Benedictine University in August 2017 as a tenure track Assistant Professor. Gina is happy to return to Benedictine after being a pre-nursing student there from 2000-2002.


Carol M. Patton

Carol M. Patton, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, CRNP, Healthcare Informatics Certificate, Parish Nurse, CNE

Adjunct Faculty

Dr. Patton is a family nurse practitioner and maintains certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Nurse Educator.


Margaret C. Richey, Ed.D., M.S.N., B.S.N., RN

Associate Professor

Dr. Richey joined Benedictine as Adjunct MSN Faculty in 2011 and was appointed in August 2012 as Associate Professor.


Alison Ridge

Alison Ridge, D.N.P., M.S.N., RN, CNE

Associate Professor & Graduate Program Director

Alison Ridge joined Benedictine in June 2012 as MSN Program Director and Assistant Professor.


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