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Juniata College Announces Inaugural Director of Nursing
(Posted January 23, 2025)
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HUNTINGDON, Pa.–Juniata College is pleased to announce Jennifer DellAntonio, DEd, MSN, RN, CNE, as its inaugural director of nursing. With more than 20 years of experience in nursing education and leadership, DellAntonio will guide Juniata through the future launch of a nursing program. Regional health care shortages and market demands spurred Juniata to apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for approval to start a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
“Juniata College will empower students to meet the dynamic needs of healthcare with confidence and compassion. My vision is to create an inclusive and forward-thinking program that will transform the lives of future generations of nurses,” explained Jennifer DellAntonio, director of nursing.
Her early experiences as an emergency room nurse have shaped the values DellAntonio follows in her teaching—compassion, communication, and presence. She focuses on aligning program goals with industry standards and preparing students for real-world application through evidence-based teaching strategies and clinical education.
“Dr. DellAntonio’s leadership will be critically important as we develop and grow nursing at Juniata College,” said Lauren Bowen, provost of Juniata College. “Having her join as a full-time faculty member is a significant and meaningful step in our ongoing efforts to launch a BSN program and further enrich the health professions at Juniata.”
Throughout her career, DellAntonio has taught at all levels of nursing education, designing and implementing nursing pathways such as accelerated BSN, prelicensure BSN, Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN, and BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice. She most recently served as a part-time faculty member at Capella University School of Nursing, where she received the 2025 Outstanding Faculty of the Year award. She also taught at Northern Kentucky University School of Nursing and assisted colleges and universities with developing nursing programs as an academic program consultant. For 20 years, she was an associate professor of nursing at Commonwealth University (formerly Lock Haven University), where she led the nursing program as the director before becoming the nursing department chair.
Beyond teaching, DellAntonio is an international and national site visitor for Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accreditation and has contributed to nursing research. Her published works address diverse topics such as retaining online RN-BSN students and simulation technology in nursing education. She holds a Doctor of Education in curriculum and instruction, a Master of Science in nursing education, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Juniata College has a strong history of preparing students for careers in healthcare. Over the past few years, there has been an intentional focus on developing new programs in the health professions, most recently exercise science and kinesiology and public health. If approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, Juniata College would add a critical new program to its education in the health professions.
Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.