Meet the Team Behind the Screen: Dr. Tara Horsley, Senior Instructor & Online RN to BSN Program Coordinator
Behind every online program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a team of enrollment specialists, academic advisors, program coordinators, and other faculty and staff who work hard to create engaging and positive experiences for online learners.
Dr. Tara Horsley, senior instructor and online RN to BSN program coordinator, is among the dedicated faculty and staff supporting online students. As program coordinator, Dr. Horsley works with administration to ensure accreditation compliance, develop and update the program's coursework, and integrate evidence-based practice, leadership, informatics, community health, and ethics into the curriculum. She also coordinates faculty and academic coach assignments for effective course delivery.
Learn more about Dr. Horsley through the Q&A below.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Dr. Horsley: What I enjoy most about my role as the RN to BSN Program Coordinator is the opportunity to support student growth and success. It is incredibly rewarding to help RNs advance their education and watch them gain confidence as they transition from bedside practice into leadership, research, or community health roles. One of the most meaningful aspects of my work is when graduates reach out after completing the program to share that they have been accepted into graduate school or have earned new positions as a result of completing their BSN.
I also find great fulfillment in providing mentorship and guidance to working nurses who are balancing education with professional and personal responsibilities. Because I experienced the same challenges while completing my online master’s and Ph.D. programs, I understand their journey and enjoy supporting them through it.
Another aspect I truly value is the chance to design and revise courses that reflect current trends in nursing and healthcare delivery. By integrating evidence-based practice, leadership, ethics, and informatics into the curriculum, I am able to help prepare students for the next steps in their careers.
I also appreciate the strong sense of faculty collaboration within our RN to BSN program. I work alongside an exceptional team that is deeply committed to student success, and I enjoy the process of sharing ideas, problem-solving, and developing innovative solutions together. Above all, I take pride in upholding the high standards of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, knowing that our graduates will go on to positively impact the nursing workforce and the communities they serve.
What advice would you give to a student in their first semester of an online program?
Dr. Horsley: Get organized early. Establish a personal calendar that includes assignment due dates. Consistent organization from the start will help you stay on track and reduce any stress.
Practice effective time management. Approach your coursework as you would a part-time job. Log in regularly, check your email frequently to stay informed of announcements and important information. Break larger assignments into smaller, manageable tasks and work on them steadily and avoid last-minute completion of assignments as this is an accelerated program and courses move quickly.
Communicate consistently. Stay connected with your instructors, academic coaches, and peers. Reach out as soon as you have questions or need clarification. Faculty are readily available through email, virtual meetings, or phone calls, and are committed to supporting your success. Active communication fosters understanding and helps prevent falling behind.
Utilize available resources. Take advantage of the many resources available to you, including the online library and librarians, writing center, tutoring services, and technology support. These tools are designed to help you succeed.
Balance your school, work, and personal life. Discuss your school schedule with family, friends, and employers so they can support you during the program. Equally important, prioritize self-care during your personal time. Rest, relaxation, and healthy routines will help you maintain balance and avoid burnout.
Stay motivated. Remember why you started! Keep your long-term goals in mind and remember the reasons you chose to pursue your BSN. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small every completed course brings you one step closer to your degree.
What is your favorite restaurant & thing to do in Lafayette?
Dr. Horsley: I'm not from Lafayette, so when I visit, I enjoy Social Southern Table & Bar, Zea Rotisserie & Bar, and Marcello's. I also love exploring UL Lafayette's campus and visiting the bookstore to shop for University clothing!
