Dr. Sarahbeth Abalos serves as the Director of the Villa Maria School of Nursing at Gannon University, bringing experience in nursing education, leadership, and clinical practice. A dedicated educator and scholar, she is passionate about mentoring students and fostering a learning environment that prepares future nurses for excellence in patient care. With expertise in gerontology, nursing leadership, and curriculum development, Dr. Abalos is committed to ensuring that Gannon’s nursing programs continue to uphold the highest standards of education and professional practice. She is devoted to helping students develop the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to excel in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Originally from West Virginia, Dr. Abalos earned her PhD in Nursing and MSN in Nursing Education from Wilkes University. Her career spans leadership roles in nursing education, having served as a Nursing Program Director at multiple institutions before joining Gannon University. She has also worked extensively in clinical settings, including emergency and critical care nursing, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the intersection of academia and practice. Her research focuses on workforce trends, generational differences in nursing, and strategies to enhance student success and retention. She has contributed to nursing literature and secured grant funding to support nursing education initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the profession through scholarship and innovation.
Beyond her role in academia, Dr. Abalos remains actively engaged in clinical practice as a school nurse, providing direct care to students and ensuring their well-being. This ongoing hands-on experience allows her to bring real-world insights into the classroom and reinforce the importance of patient-centered care. She values creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel empowered to grow academically and professionally.
Dr. Abalos resides in Hermitage, PA, with her husband, four children, a standard poodle, and a sphynx cat. She believes in lifelong learning, collaboration, and the transformative power of nursing education, and she is honored to lead the Villa Maria School of Nursing in shaping the next generation of nursing professionals. Her dedication to education, practice, and mentorship reflects her unwavering commitment to the nursing profession and the communities she serves.
Accreditations
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Pennsylvania Registered Nurse
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Ohio Registered Nurse
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Certified Nurse Educator (CNE)
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Certified Nurse Educator Clinical (CNEcl)
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Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
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Lean Six Sigma Healthcare Green Belt
Awards-Grants
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Ohio Department of Education, "Choose Ohio First", $539,000
Educational History
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Wilkes University, PhD Nursing, Dissertation: The Lived Professional Experiences and Potential Impact of Generation Z Registered Nurses, 2021
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Wilkes University, MSN Nursing Education, 2018
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Ashland Community and Technical College, AAS Nursing, 2001
Honor Societies
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Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing: Zeta Psi Chapter
Professional Experience
Academic
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Director Villa Maria School of Nursing & Assistant Professor of Nursing, Gannon University, Erie, PA (January 2025-present)
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Nursing Program Director & Assistant Professor of Nursing, Hiram College, Hiram OH
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Director of the Nursing Program & Assistant Professor of Nursing, Thiel College, Greenville, PA
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Nursing Faculty, Sharon Regional Medical Center School of Nursing, Sharon, PA
Clinical
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Substitute School Nurse, Sharpsville Area School District, Sharpsville, PA (2016-present)
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Nurse Advocate, IKOR of Columbus, Columbus, OH
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Emergency Department Staff Nurse, Sharon Regional Medical Center, Sharon, PA
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Hyperbaric Staff Nurse, Shared Health Services, Johnson City, TN (served Sharon Regional Medical Center & Meadville Medical Center)
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Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Staff Nurse, Spartenburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, SC
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Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Staff Nurse, St. Marys Medical Center, Huntington, WV
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Emergency Department Staff Nurse, Summit Medical Center, Hermitage, TN
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Medical Intensive Care Staff Nurse, Metro Nashville General Hospital, Nashville TN
Professional Societies
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American Nurses Association
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Pennsylvania State Nurses Association
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International Philosophy of Nursing Society
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National League for Nursing
Publications
Book Chapter
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Grandinetti, M. & Abalos, S. (2022). Theories around self-promotion and self-management. In G. Merlo & K. Berra (Eds.). Lifestyle Nursing. Routledge Taylor and Francis Group.
Scholarship-Research
Poster Presentations:
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(2021 September). The Lived Professional Experiences and Potential Impact of Generation Z Registered Nurses. Pennsylvania State Nurses Association Virtual Summit.
Reviewer:
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Gutierrez, K., Nutz, P. A., & Albanese, J. (2018). Mosby’s nursing drug cards. Elsevier.
Service
Gannon University
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Nursing Faculty Organization, Member
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Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum Committee, Ex-Officio Member
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Graduate Nursing Curriculum Committee, Ex-Officio Member
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Nursing Outcomes Committee, Ex-Officio Member
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Nursing Faculty and Student Affairs Committee, Ex-Officio Member
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Nursing Admissions Committee, Ex-Officio Member
Community
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K-3 Classroom Volunteer, Junior Achievement of Northwestern PA, 2015-2020
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Cleaning Volunteer, UPMC Horizon Medical Equipment Recycling Program, 2016-2018
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Director of Education and Member of the Board of Directors, Do Good. Period, 2019-present
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Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sharon Community Health Center, 2017-present (Vice Chairman 2017-2019, Chairman 2019-2024)
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Committee Member, Community Medical Ethics Project, 2020-2021
Profession
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Member, Ohio Council of Deans and Directors, 2022-2025 (Vice President 2024)
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Member, Northeast Ohio Clinical Faculty Fellowship Working Group, 2024-2025