Belhaven University Appoints Dr. Tonsha Emerson as Assistant Professor of Nursing
JACKSON, Miss. (August 13, 2026) — Belhaven University has appointed Dr. Tonsha Emerson as assistant professor of nursing in the School of Nursing. A certified nurse educator and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, Dr. Emerson brings more than 30 years of experience in clinical practice, nursing education, and healthcare leadership.
Dr. Emerson previously served Belhaven as an adjunct nursing instructor beginning in 2025 and now joins the faculty full time, where she will help prepare future nurses through evidence-based instruction, clinical mentorship, and Christ-centered professional formation.
Throughout her career, Dr. Emerson has specialized in medical-surgical nursing, psychiatric-mental health nursing, and nursing education. Her passion for mental health advocacy led her to become a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, allowing her to combine advanced clinical practice with a commitment to improving behavioral healthcare.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women, a Master of Science in Nursing, a Post-Master Certificate, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of South Alabama. She also completed a post-graduate certificate through Grand Canyon University. As a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), she is committed to excellence in curriculum development, student assessment, and clinical instruction.
Dr. Emerson maintains professional licensure as both a Registered Nurse and Certified Nurse Practitioner. She is an active member of the American Nurses Association, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Mississippi Nurses Association, and the National League for Nursing.
Her professional accomplishments include graduating from the Mississippi Community College Leadership Academy and participating in accreditation reviews for the Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges, demonstrating her commitment to advancing quality nursing education across the state.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dr. Emerson enjoys spending time with her husband and their two young adult children. She is an active member of her church, where she serves as an administrator, and enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
Belhaven University's School of Nursing prepares students to become highly skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals through academically rigorous programs that integrate evidence-based practice, clinical excellence, and a Christ-centered approach to patient care.