School of Nursing Faculty and Staff

Laura Deaton serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at Western Kentucky University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2010 and her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Education in 2015 from Western Kentucky University.

Since 2010, Laura has been employed at the Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital at the Medical Center Bowling Green, a long-term acute care facility, where she has applied her expertise in both critical care and medical-surgical nursing. In Spring 2013, she began serving as a part-time Clinical Instructor for Medical-Surgical I at Western Kentucky University, and in Fall 2024, she transitioned into a full-time faculty role.

Laura is a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN), a distinction that recognizes advanced knowledge and skill in the care of adult patients with complex medical conditions. She has also attained Clinical Nurse V status through the Med Center Health's clinical ladder program. In addition, she maintains active certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).

Laura has been an active member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society, Kappa Theta Chapter, since 2010, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional growth and service. Her dedication has been recognized through several honors, including the Spirit of Nursing Award in 2010 for excellence in community service, professional practice, and academic contributions. In 2024, she was further honored as the College of Health and Human Services Greek Professor of the Year by the Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, acknowledging her outstanding support of students and their academic success.

Deeply committed to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, Laura prioritizes her students’ growth, confidence, and success. She takes great pride in mentoring and empowering future nurses, guiding them through their academic and professional journeys.