Copiah-Lincoln Community College has announced the establishment of its new Division of Nursing and Allied Health, a strategic organizational enhancement that reflects the continued growth of the college’s healthcare programs and aligns Co-Lin’s organizational structure with many colleges and universities where healthcare programs are housed within a specialized division. The new division will house Associate Degree Nursing, LPN-to-RN, Medical Laboratory Technology, Medical Radiologic Technology, Practical Nursing, Emergency Medical Services/Paramedic, and Respiratory Care Technology.
Effective July 1, 2026, the new Division of Nursing and Allied Health brings the college’s healthcare programs under a unified leadership structure designed to strengthen oversight, enhance collaboration among healthcare disciplines, and further support student success. The new structure also creates opportunities to strengthen partnerships with clinical affiliates and healthcare providers.
To lead the new division, Dr. Walterine Nelson has been appointed Dean of Nursing and Allied Health. In this role, she will provide leadership for the college’s nursing and allied health programs, overseeing faculty development, accreditation, curriculum, and student success initiatives. Dr. Nelson has served as Co-Lin’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Director for the last two years and successfully led the program through the accreditation process where Co-Lin received full accreditation from the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
“The creation of the Division of Nursing and Allied Health represents an important milestone for Co-Lin,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “Healthcare remains one of the fastest growing and most essential workforce sectors in our state and region. Establishing a dedicated division allows us to strengthen collaboration across our healthcare programs, better serve our students and clinical partners, and position the college for continued growth. Dr. Nelson’s experience, vision, and commitment to excellence make her the right person to lead this initiative.”
A nurse educator and administrator with more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Nelson has held leadership and faculty positions at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Alcorn State University, Southwest Mississippi Community College, Virginia College, and West Coast University. She also serves as an evaluator for Western Governors University, reviewing student assessments and supporting academic quality within the College of Health Professions.
She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Education and Administration and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from William Carey University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Alcorn State University and is a proud graduate of Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where she earned both her Associate Degree in Nursing and Practical Nursing certificate.
Dr. Nelson is an active member of the American Nurses Association and the Mississippi Nurses Association. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her expertise in nursing education, accreditation, curriculum development, faculty leadership, and student success.
To learn more about Co-Lin’s medical programs, visit www.colin.edu/programs/.