Dr. Axman’s keynote address highlighted her leadership as expert clinician and academic 

University of Phoenix College of Nursing Associate Dean Linnea Axman, DrPH, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAANP, served as keynote speaker at the 27^th Sigma SoCal Odyssey Research Conference on October 6, 2023, in San Diego, California. Axman’s address, “Implementation of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Guidelines in a Free Clinic Setting,” highlighted her experience and leadership in public health and clinic operations.

“Dr. Axman brings invaluable leadership, clinical and academic expertise to our College of Nursing students and their learning experience,” states Raelene Brooks, DNP, dean, College of Nursing. “The Sigma conference is well attended by nursing leaders from across the region and we are so proud that Dr. Axman’s expertise was amplified to peers and colleagues.”

The conference, themed “Be Bold: Nursing Innovations in Education, Research, and Technology,” was organized for and by nurses and nursing leaders. The conference was planned to utilize role models encouraging excellence in students and colleagues of nursing, as well as an avenue for dissemination of research, clinical and educational topics, networking opportunities, and encouraging nurses to influence positive health care change.

Axman is the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the College of Nursing at the University of Phoenix, where she directs the design and delivery of academic programs for the college. She is also Full Time Faculty for the Master of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program (MSN/PMHNP). Axman maintains her clinical practice through telemedicine as a FNP/PMHNP at family health clinic in Escondido, California. Prior to her arrival at the University of Phoenix, Axman led the free clinic mobile outreach team providing primary care to unsheltered people living in McHenry County, Illinois, where she was an appointed member to the county board of health.

“The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) has identified five priority aims for quality improvement for the nation's healthcare, improving population health, enhancing the care experience, reducing costs, addressing clinician burnout, and most recently, advancing health equity,” shares Axman. “My keynote highlighted the instrumental role of the doctorly prepared nurse in meeting the nation’s healthcare priorities through implementation of evidence-based interventions; and, specifically demonstrated how nurse-led quality improvement projects can improve health equity for all patients despite their insurance status.”

Axman retired as a Captain (06) from the United States (US) Navy in 2010 after 25 years of active naval service. While on active duty, Dr. Axman maintained an active clinical practice as a nurse practitioner while holding a variety of positions including Special Assistant to the Navy Surgeon General for Women’s Health, Senior Nurse Executive for the Director of Professional Education at Naval Medical Center San Diego, Department Head for Nursing Research and Analysis, Chief Operating Officer, Naval School of Health Sciences, San Diego, CA, and Navy Medicine West Regional Research Integrity Program Manager.

Axman is an alum of the Interagency Institute for Federal Health Care Executives and a graduate of the United States Naval War College. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Cincinnati in 2023. She earned a Doctorate in Public Health from George Washington University in 2003. She received her Master of Science in Nursing as a FNP from the University of Kentucky, a post master’s certificate as PMHNP from the University of Cincinnati, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan, and a Diploma in Nursing from Hurley Medical Center School of Nursing.

Axman has been a staff and faculty member with the University of Phoenix since 2019.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.