Dr. Muirhead is an Associate Professor, clinical track, and joined the School of Nursing in September 2012. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a post-master's certificate from the University of Massachusetts, a master's degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama, with a concentration in Community Health and Nursing Education, and a bachelor's degree in nursing from William Carey College. She leads the development and strategic vision of the school’s effort to build a diverse community that values the importance of equity and inclusivity. She has practiced as an APRN for greater than 25 years and has an extensive background focused on advancing health equity among underrepresented populations and Veterans’ health care. As a recognized national expert and consultant to numerous advisory boards, national groups, and public health organizations, she has contributed to national health recommendations, state nursing guidelines, and standardized competency-based nurse practitioner curriculum. She serves on national Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workgroups to help inform educational initiatives that build capacity for a diversified faculty and nursing workforce. She has been recognized for her extraordinary leadership in nursing practice, education, and policy as a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and a Fellow of the American Academy of Nurses.

Muirhead, L., Hall, P., Jones, Taylor, C., Clifford, G., Felton, T., Williams, K. (2017). Critical questions: Advancing the health of female Veterans. Journal of American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Jul 21. doi: 10.1002/2327-6924.12490.

Kaplan, B., Muirhead, L., Zhang, W. (2017). Promoting veteran-centered nursing education through high-fidelity simulation in the clinical practice setting. Clinical Simulation In Nursing, (13) 6, 258-263.

Dr. Muirhead’s research has focused on the application of the Behavioral Model of Vulnerable Population, examining access and use of services among those experiencing homelessness. The work with her colleagues in establishing a foot care model for those experiencing homelessness showcases the value of community-participatory efforts and was nominated for the President’s Honor Roll Award in Higher Education.