University Of Southern Nevada

Dr. Marlene Luna is the Campus Dean and Professor for the College of Nursing at the University of Southern Nevada in South Jordan, Utah. She received her Diploma from the Jefferson Davis Hospital School of Nursing, her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Science from Texas Woman’s University and her Doctor in Education from the University of Houston.

Dr. Luna began her academic career as an Instructor of Nursing at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas. In 1984, she was appointed chair of the department. As department chair, she was responsible for the overall quality of instruction that included administrative, educational, curriculum development, development of new programs and management and recruitment of faculty and students. She was responsible for the initial National League for Nursing accreditation of the San Jacinto College nursing program.

In 1998, she was appointed dean of the Health Sciences Division at Laredo Community College and assisted the faculty of the various health science programs in receiving recognition and accreditation by the respective accrediting bodies.

Her nursing practice has varied, but has mostly involved the care of the adult client in the Intensive Care Unit and in the Post Anesthesia Unit. She has held staff nurse and supervisory positions. She also has been involved for many years in program evaluation with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and with the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

She has received many honors. She was voted by her nursing classmates as Most likely to Succeed and has been listed in Who is Who in the South and Southwest. She has served on various state-wide committees with the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners and served as a Commissioner on the Governor’s Commission for Women.