College of Nursing

College of Nursing

The STU College of Nursing was established in November of 2024. Initially housed in the College of Health Sciences & Technology, our nursing programs grew from 13 students to over 1,700 students since the programs’ establishment in 2020.

Today, the College of Nursing offers three undergraduate degrees to prepare students for nursing careers, including a bachelor’s in natural science, a BSN in Nursing (RN to BSN track), and a BSN in Nursing (traditional track).

Plus, STU provides five graduate degrees, including an MSN-Accelerated Program, an MSN-Adult Gerontology NP, an MSN-Family Nursing Practitioner, an MSN-Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, a DNP-Nursing, and an online BSN to DNP degree track, along with four post-master’s degrees certificates for NPs to further their training.

For 2024 and through March of 2025, our nurses had a 100% passage rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Meet Your Dean

Nashat “Nash” Abualhaija, Ph.D.

Dr. Nashat Abualhaija, Ph.D., RN, is a distinguished leader in nursing education with over 25 years of experience. He holds a Ph.D. in Nursing from Barry University, an M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, and a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He brings extensive expertise in academic program management, curriculum development, and pedagogical innovation. With a proven track record of enhancing student success. Dr. Abualhaija currently serves as the Founding Dean and Professor of Nursing at St. Thomas University. He previously served as Nursing Program Director at Hodges University, and Associate Professor at the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB).

Dr. Abualhaija’s research interests focus on transcultural nursing, men’s health disparities, and student-centered and active learning approaches. He has authored multiple publications and presented at various conferences, contributing to the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice.

Renowned for pioneering online nursing programs and significantly improving NCLEX pass rates, Dr. Abualhaija is committed to advancing nursing education and improving healthcare outcomes. His professional work includes establishing impactful community partnerships, leading faculty development initiatives, and introducing innovative teaching strategies. He fosters inclusive, student-centered learning environments, preparing future nurses to meet the evolving demands of healthcare. His academic and clinical leadership, combined with his dedication to nursing excellence, has consistently raised the bar in nursing education and program excellence.

College of Nursing

St. Thomas University
16401 NW 37 Ave. Miami Gardens FL 33054

Phone: (305) 628-6503

Email: nabualhaija@stu.edu

Additional Contact Info

Administrative Assistant

College of Nursing
St. Thomas University
16401 NW 37 Ave. Miami Gardens FL 33054
Phone: (305) 474-6025
Email: ndesir@stu.edu

General Information

1 (877) 788-7526
(305) 625-6000

St. Thomas University
16401 NW 37th Avenue
Miami Gardens, Florida 33054
United States of America

Meet Our Faculty

Nashat Abualhaija, PhD, RN

Nashat Abualhaija, PhD, RN

Dean and Professor

Email: nabualhaija@stu.edu

Office: (305) 628-6503

Marie Bertrand-Felix, MSNEd, RN

Marie Bertrand-Felix, MSNEd, RN

Instructor

Email: mbertrand-felix@stu.edu

Ann Edwards, MSHA, BSAN, RN, MSNEd

Ann Edwards, MSHA, BSAN, RN, MSNEd

Instructor

Email: aedwards4@stu.edu

Martine Gordon

Martine Gordon

Adjunct Professor

Email: mgordon3@stu.edu

Pauline Louis-Magiste, MSN-Ed, RN

Pauline Louis-Magiste, MSN-Ed, RN

Program Director

Email: plouis@stu.edu

Office: (305) 474-6848

Julie Menendez, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, CPN

Julie Menendez, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, CPN

Program Director

Email: JulieMenendez@STU.edu

Office: (305) 474-6075

Bridget Vera

Bridget Vera

Adjunct Professor

Email: bvera@stu.edu

Undergraduate Programs

Featured Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A BSN from St. Thomas University equips you with the skills, expertise, and hands-on experience to make a real difference in healthcare. Whether in hospitals, clinics, or community health, your journey starts here—where passion meets purpose.

Graduate Programs

Featured Program: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Expand your expertise with in-demand knowledge and techniques to diagnose and treat common mental illnesses with this advanced placement post-master’s PMHNP certificate online from St. Thomas University. If you have completed an NP-focused graduate master’s or doctoral nursing program, you can become a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner in less time than earning a full master’s degree.

Online Programs

Featured Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice Online (DNP)

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice program at St. Thomas University prepares you for the highest levels of professional achievement. Whether you are interested in administration, research and technology, teaching the next generation of nurses, or becoming a healthcare entrepreneur, our DNP curriculum will build on your experience as you rapidly expand your knowledge. Supportive STU professors will also mentor you at each stage of your development, from your first course to your final doctoral project.

BECOME A BOBCAT

You are STU!

Request Information | Learn about degrees, admission, and more!
Visit Campus | Our Miami campus will take your breath away!
Apply Today | Ready to become a Bobcat? Complete your application.
Confirm Enrollment | Begin your journey pursuing excellence!
{"visible_panels":"4","width":"1310","height":"650","orientation":"horizontal","panel_distance":"20","max_openedaccordion_size":"48%","open_panel_on":"hover","shadow":"false","autoplay":"false","mouse_wheel":"false"}
STU Commencement 2025. Congratulations to all the graduates 🎉🎊🎈🎈🎈
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony 2025. Congratulations 🎊 to all our BSN graduates.
STU Commencement Ceremony 2025 ✨
On Friday, May 2nd, STU College of Nursing celebrated our nursing students end of the semester with a delicious lunch with Dean of Nursing Dr. Nashat Abualhaija. Each student share a short story about a nurse that inspired them to be a nurse and what they are most proud of for this semester. #STUNursing #FutureNurses💉💊🩹🩺 ##NursingStudent #GoBobcats

STU NEWS & HAPPENINGS

© 2024-2025 St. Thomas University