Faculty

Stephen D. Heglund is interim assistant dean of academic affairs at the UCF College of Nursing. Prior to his appointment, he served as director of the Post-Licensure BSN programs at the UCF College of Nursing where he oversaw more than 1,000 distance-learning students. An active distance-learning facilitator for nearly two decades, Heglund serves as a distance-learning resource and mentor to faculty who are new to teaching in an online environment. He is an award-winning faculty advisor who has presented on the topics of innovative advising across time and distance as well as transforming traditional experiential learning in nursing to meet the needs of both the distance learner and the expectations of today’s healthcare arena. A fifth-generation Florida native and four-time UCF alumnus, Heglund has served his community as an RN and nurse practitioner in the areas of critical care, emergency care, and urgent care for more than 25 years.

Education
  • PhD, University of Central Florida
  • MSN, University of Central Florida
  • BSN, University of Central Florida
  • Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, University of Central Florida
Selected Editorial Activities
  • Manuscript reviewer, Health Care Management Review
Selected Award & Honors
  • Teaching Incentive Program Award, University of Central Florida, 2021
  • Excellence in Faculty Advising Award, University of Central Florida, 2009 and 2018
  • State of Florida Outstanding Faculty Academic Advising Award, Florida Academic Advising Association, 2017
  • Multiple “Quality” and “High Quality” Online Course Design Designations, University of Central Florida
  • Clinical Excellence Award, Laraja Foundation, 2000
  • Faculty Liaison, UCF College of Nursing Alumni Chapter

Expertise & Research

Expertise
  • Acute Care
  • Critical Care
  • Nursing Education
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Trauma / Emergency Care