Health Care Management Program

Background

Dr. Devon McCart is a doctorally prepared registered nurse and Teaching Assistant Professor with more than 10 years of experience as a nurse leader across diverse healthcare settings, including undergraduate nursing education, hospice and palliative care, perioperative nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and oncology. Her journey in healthcare began before her nursing career. As a young professional, she worked as a licensed optician for more than 10 years, building a strong foundation in patient care, communication, clinical service, and healthcare operations. After several years in the optical profession, Dr. McCart pursued nursing as an adult student, embarking on a new professional path motivated by a desire to expand her impact on patient care and contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of others.

Starting nursing school as an adult gave Dr. McCart valuable insights into learning, professional development, and the challenges of returning to higher education. Her experience as a non-traditional student shapes her teaching style, helping her connect with students from diverse backgrounds and supporting those undergoing significant academic or career transitions.

She began her career in academia teaching upper-level medical-surgical and capstone courses in a pre-licensure BSN program. Her career at Appalachian State began as an adjunct professor in spring 2025, in the Healthcare Management Flight Path program; she joined the department as full-time teaching faculty beginning in the fall 2025. Throughout her clinical and academic career, she has developed expertise in patient safety, quality improvement, interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice, systems-level thinking, and healthcare workforce well-being.

Education 

DNP, General Leadership, Northern Kentucky University, DNP Project focus: Exploring the implementation of Code Lavender Resources to support healthcare workforce well-being.
MSN-Ed., Northern Kentucky University, Capstone project focus: Plant-based nutrition and its effects on chronic disease
BSN, Indiana Wesleyan University
ASN, Ivy Tech Community College

Research/Scholarly Interests

• Healthcare workforce well-being
• The impact of plant-based diets on chronic illnesses
• Enhancing Quality and Application of Evidence-Based Practice

Courses Taught 

• HCM2130, Managing Health Care Organizations
• HCM3800, Professional Development
• HCM4630, Principles of Leadership for Health Service Organizations

Professional Affiliations 

American College of Health Care Executives (ACHE), Member 

Select Publications 

• McCart, A. L., & McCart, D. R. (2025). Addressing food insecurity through municipal and community responses: A case study in Louisville, Kentucky. Journal of Public Health Issues and Practices, 9(1), Article 234.
• McCart, D., McCart, A. Poster Presentation: Exploring Solutions to Food Insecurity: Community Responses in Louisville, Kentucky. Kentucky American College of Healthcare Executives: Bridging Collaboration and Successful Opioid Solutions. The Medical Center-WKU Health Sciences Complex. November 13, 2024.