GREENVILLE, Pa.—Debra Wallace, Ph.D., director of Thiel College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, traveled to Harrisburg on June 11 to participate in an orientation hosted by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
The informational session, designed primarily for new nursing program directors, provided updates on state regulations, faculty qualifications, curriculum requirements, clinical agency approvals, annual reporting procedures and program approval standards.
“As healthcare continues to evolve, it is important that nursing programs remain informed about best practices, regulatory expectations and emerging workforce needs,” Wallace said. “These opportunities help ensure we are providing students with the education and experiences they need to succeed as professional nurses.”
Wallace is the director of nursing at Thiel, where she oversees the academic direction and continued development of the College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Her background includes more than two decades of nursing experience and leadership roles in higher education, clinical instruction and nursing program administration.
Prior to joining Thiel, Wallace served as an associate professor at Youngstown State University, where she taught pediatric nursing and community health while fostering active, student-centered learning environments. She also served as a full-time faculty member at Sharon Regional School of Nursing, where she helped maintain accreditation compliance, developed budgets and reports, and contributed to curriculum oversight and program evaluation.
In addition to her classroom experience, Wallace worked with nursing students nationwide as a National Council Licensure Examination preparation coach, providing individualized instruction and guidance to help future nurses prepare for licensure examinations. Her teaching career has included faculty appointments at Clarion University, Community College of Allegheny County and Kent State University.
Before transitioning to nursing education, Wallace built a diverse clinical career that included emergency nursing, home healthcare, school nursing and patient care in hospital settings throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Wallace earned a Ph.D. in nursing education and a Master of Science in nursing education from Walden University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Penn State University and maintains professional certifications in advanced cardiovascular life support, pediatric advanced life support and trauma nursing.
At Thiel, Wallace is helping guide a program designed to meet regional and national workforce needs while preparing graduates to provide compassionate, evidence-based care. Through classroom instruction, simulation experiences and clinical partnerships, students gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Wallace joined Thiel’s nursing department in late 2025 and oversees the continued development of the College’s nursing program.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.