Heidi Gonzalez Joins College of Nursing Faculty

VALDOSTA — Born in Troy, Mo., Heidi Gonzalez has lived in Valdosta for more than two decades. She graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1994, playing on the tennis team all four years. Now, the 40-year-old teaches in the university’s College of Nursing.

Gonzalez joined the university’s faculty because it allowed her the opportunity “to pursue my terminal degree, have summers off with my family, and share my love of nursing with students.” A certified critical care registered nurse, she and husband Tom have three sons — Tristan, 14, Julian, 10, and Lleyton, 7. Her hobbies include playing tennis, running, gardening, and reading.

During the fall semester, Gonzalez is teaching NURS 4113, Nursing Care III: Chronic and Multisystem Health Alterations. She is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Georgia Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Her areas of professional research include leadership in nursing and surgical site infection prevention.

Before joining the VSU family, Gonzalez worked as a nurse at Brooks County Hospital from 1994 to 1996 and South Georgia Medical Center from 1996 to 2011. She taught at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College from 2010 to July 31, 2012. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2010.

Gonzalez is an active member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where she serves as children’s liturgy leader and lector. She is also very involved with St. John Catholic School, assisting with its annual Road Race, Halloween Carnival, and other special events.

Contact Heidi Gonzalez at (229) 253-2930 or hcgonzalez@valdosta.edu to learn more. Her office is located in Martin Hall, Room 244.