Marie Lindsey, PhD, APN, FNP

Marie Lindsey brings a lot of experience and expertise to the students she teaches at the University of St. Francis.

With a background in academics, health care administration and government advocacy, Lindsey was asked to come to USF in 2006 by the former dean of the college to help start the university’s Health and Wellness Center (HWC), the first nurse managed clinic in Will County.

The HWC has served 5,354 patients through 8,419 visits and recently opened an Outreach Services Office enabling the staff to serve another 700 patients.

“The College of Nursing is doing a lot of innovative things which is really remarkable for such a small university,” Lindsey said. “USF is a small school by physical size, but our programs are large. And, the Franciscan mission truly underlies the curriculum.”

Lindsey said she most enjoys working with USF’s adult students online.
“Every student brings a unique set of experiences which enrich us all,” she said. “No matter how skilled you are, there’s something to learn.” Earning a master’s degree or doctorate, Lindsey said, can bring nurses greater autonomy and a sense of empowerment.

“If autonomy of practice is of interest, you need an advanced degree,” she said. “If you’re interested in primary care and want a powerful role, you need an advanced degree. With health care reform, the opportunity for nurses with graduate degrees is tremendous. For doctoral prepared nurses, there are many opportunities that have yet to unfold.”

Outside of the classroom, Lindsey is active with the Illinois Society of Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN). She chaired the steering committee that lead to its formation and was its first president. The organization even has named an award in her honor—the Marie Lindsey Spirit of Advanced Practice Nursing Award.

“My legacy, I hope, is that I’ve enabled other people to share in my passion for government advocacy,” she said. “It’s vital to our profession.”

To learn more about USF’s College of Nursing and its program, click on the links below:

• College of Nursing
• Doctor of Nursing of Practice
• Master of Science in Nursing

To be contacted by the admission office, fill out the form below, then hit the submit button.

( * denotes a required field ).