Kristy Gonder

Dr. Gonder achieved her RN from an Associate degree program in North Idaho. She achieved her Nursing degree in her early 20s and continued to progress in the profession, achieving her PhD in nursing on the same day she celebrated her 50th birthday. She enjoyed precepting new hires and student nurses, which led to teaching. Her first academic teaching position was in an LPN program (vocational technical).  Teaching eventually went on to include all levels of undergraduate nursing from LPN to ADN and various BSN entry programs (pre- and post-licensure). Before joining the Gonzaga team, she started work on designing a graduate Health Management course for a master’s degree program. Naturally, she has a passion for nursing education and the nursing profession (embracing its past, present, and future as a respected practice).

Her primary research area is adult congenital heart disease. Other areas of research interest include (a) nursing education and best practices in teaching and learning, (b) health care economics, (c) health determinants, (d) politics, and (e) theology.