Tara King

Biography

Tara Spalla King is a clinical professor and director of the Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) program, leading the development and implementation of the nation’s first DNE program. Her work focuses on nursing education, faculty development, evidence-based teaching and learning strategies, and program evaluation. She has an extensive background in academic leadership, online and innovation-focused curriculum design, and program evaluation.

Dr. King’s scholarship includes innovative approaches to teaching and learning, such as integrating global and intercultural experiences through Collaborative Online International Learning and virtual classrooms. She has collaborated with international partners to support intercultural learning and advance global scholarly exchange, including service as founding chair of an international online conference for doctoral nursing students. She is also actively engaged in program evaluation and accreditation through her service with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, including her role on the Accreditation Review Committee.

Her publications focus on transforming nursing education, preparing nurse educators, and promoting student success and engagement. She mentors doctoral students and faculty in scholarship and dissemination, with a strong track record of supporting student publications. Dr. King serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Nursing Education and has been recognized as a top reviewer for the journal multiple years. She also serves as a peer reviewer for multiple national and international journals and is a fellow of the National Academies of Practice.

Dr. King earned a doctoral and master’s degree in higher education policy and leadership from The Ohio State University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Wright State University.