Rate My Professor Terri Durbin

Dr. Terrica "Terri" Durbin is an Associate Professor and Director of the School of Nursing at Western Carolina University's College of Health and Human Sciences, where she has been a faculty member since August 2021. Holding credentials as DNP, PhD, CRNA, and FAANA, her academic journey began with a BSN from Lewis-Clark State College in 1999. She advanced her expertise with an MSN in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2009, a DNP in Acute Care Nursing from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2013, and a PhD in Adult Education and Cultural Studies from the University of Tennessee in 2020. Before her current role, Dr. Durbin served in key positions at the University of Tennessee College of Nursing, including Clinical Instructor in Nurse Anesthesia, Associate Program Director for Nurse Anesthesia, DNP Program Chair for Nurse Anesthesia concentration, and Interim Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs. Her research interests encompass diversity in nursing and nurse anesthesia, design thinking in nursing, and cultural competence in nurse anesthesia education.

In professional leadership, Dr. Durbin has been District Director, President-Elect, President, and Federal Political Director of the Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists. She has also contributed to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists on the Government Relations, Diversity and Inclusion, and Education Committees. Recognized for her achievements, she was inducted as a Fellow of the AANA in 2021. Key publications include "Educating the Next Generation of CRNAs" co-authored and published in the AANA Journal in 2024, and "Bridging the Gap: Nurse Anesthesia as a Pathway to Global Health Equity" in the International Journal of Anaesthesia and Critical Care in 2026. At WCU, she has driven program expansions, such as the Master's Entry Prelicensure Nursing program, for which she personally endowed a scholarship in 2025. Since 2024, she has served as Chief Faculty Marshal, contributing to university ceremonies and initiatives addressing regional nursing workforce needs.