Nurses Week Faculty Spotlight: Lynn Beeler

A clinical instructor for the College of Nursing, Lynn Beeler has taught in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for eight years.

At the same time, she has been working toward her PhD in educational psychology and research with a concentration in adult learning. She received her doctorate in December.

Beeler earned an associate’s degree in critical care and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from East Tennessee State University. After spending some time working as a critical care nurse, she came to UT to earn her master’s degree in nursing and later returned to ETSU for a post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate.

Why this field?

The oldest of seven siblings, Beeler was the first in her family to go to college. She remembers feeling a pull toward the medical field.

“I’ve always wanted to take care of patients,” she said, adding that she enjoys providing the front-line care that each individual needs. Although she no longer interacts with patients as much as she used to, Beeler has developed a fondness for students and the classroom, and she sees teaching as a way of giving back.

Outside interests

Beeler loves to travel and see new places. She has been on several cruises that have taken her to places including Italy, Spain, and France.

When she is not at UT or traveling the world, Beeler enjoys spending time outside with her dog, Gracie.

Still on the bucket list

Beeler’s major bucket list items are all travel related. She would love to visit all the US national parks, as well as see the northern lights in Iceland.

Years ago, she and her husband made plans to travel the world when they retired, but after he passed away Beeler realized the future is no guarantee and decided not to wait to start her adventures.

If she didn’t do this . . .

She’d write for a travel magazine—because it would allow her to get paid to travel the world.

Favorite spot on campus

The Torchbearer statue on Volunteer Boulevard. When it’s pretty outside, Beeler enjoys taking her lunch and sitting on one of the benches near the College of Nursing Building, where she gets a nice view of Neyland Stadium.