Major in Nursing
Become a highly-skilled nurse • Fulfill your calling • Make a difference
John Brown University
2000 W. University St.,
Siloam Springs, AR 72761
479-524-9500
jbuinfo@jbu.edu
What are you looking for?
While very fulfilling, nursing is mentally, physically and emotionally demanding. With a focus on patient-centered care from a Christian perspective, JBU will equip you to succeed.
JBU's state-of-the-art simulation lab allows you to practice your nursing skills in a safe, controlled environment.
Nursing students are required to shadow a nurse for 240 hours in the senior capstone class.
JBU's nursing program prepares students to pass the NCLEX exam for obtaining licensure as a registered nurse. JBU nursing students have a 100% pass rate with 96% passing on the first try.
From pre-nursing classes to simulations and clinical hours, JBU students get the knowledge and hands-on experience to excel in their careers.
One of my favorite things about the nursing program was the professors. They genuinely care about their students both in and out of the classroom and actively seek ways to support them. Additionally, our senior preceptorship played a big part in preparing me for my future career by allowing me to practice skills and really get a feel for what being a nurse is actually like. You truly don’t get that level of practical experience anywhere else and it definitely sets you apart from other new graduates.
Kali Treat '23
Nursing
Develop the knowledge, skills and experience you need to provide safe, patient-centered care. You'll learn to use current technology and how to organize critical information.
JBU's senior capstone course and its internship component specifically prepare students to pass the NCLEX exam for obtaining licensure as a registered nurse.
You'll be part of a community whose ultimate mission is to honor God and serve others and learn how to do this within the context of nursing.
There is no shame in not knowing something, rather it is an opportunity to learn and to get better. Specifically, in nursing, there is an overwhelming amount of material that you are taught, told to read, and tested on. Learning this material takes time and intentionality. I would argue that asking questions does not show a lack of knowledge, but rather a desire for it. The JBU nursing faculty does an excellent job of fostering this pursuit of knowledge and understanding both in the classroom and clinical setting.
Britain Bowles '22
Nursing
Hope Ballentine is a nurse educator and Certified Nurse Midwife who is joining the Nursing department at John Brown University after more than a decade of teaching at the University of Arkansas. Her professional path began in middle school education before she completed an accelerated RN/MSN and CNM program at Vanderbilt University, followed by clinical work in labor and delivery, OB triage, and women’s health in underserved settings. She began teaching full time in 2014 across undergraduate and graduate programs and earned her DNP in 2018, with a focus on maternal nutrition and preventive health. Outside of work, Hope enjoys life in Northwest Arkansas with her husband John and their three children, along with traveling, time on the water, church community, and is a foodie at heart- currently in her sourdough era.
Associate Professor of Nursing
Sierra Brand has been a Registered Nurse for four years, working as a pediatric nurse at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. She recently graduated with an MSN in nursing education and is excited to begin her career in nursing education at JBU!
In her spare time, Brand enjoys baking, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time with her family. She married her high school sweetheart, Dustin, five years ago, and together they have a one-year-old daughter, Taelyn, and two fur babies.
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Originally from Texas, Abby moved to Fayetteville to attend the University of Arkansas and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2015. She has worked on a medical-surgical unit and then at an outpatient oncology center serving both as an infusion nurse and a physician nurse fill-in. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing- Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 2020. From 2021-2026 she worked as a nurse practitioner in palliative care. In her spare time, she enjoys a good book, coffee, writing, and a spending time with friends and family. She is thrilled to be a part of the JBU family and hopes to lead the next generation of nurses in Christlike patient care.
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Dr. Trotter earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Education from Arkansas State University in May 2025. Her doctoral work focused on Healthy Coping Strategies in Nursing Education, reflecting her interest in faculty development, well-being, and the creation of healthy learning environments for both nursing students and educators. She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Northeastern State University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University, and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Northwest Arkansas Community College. In 2022, she earned the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) credential through the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. She is passionate about preparing nurses who demonstrate clinical excellence, compassionate care, servant leadership, and a commitment to the dignity and worth of every patient.
With a background spanning nursing education, simulation, and clinical practice, she is particularly passionate about experiential learning and the use of simulation to prepare students for the complexities of contemporary healthcare. Her professional interests include simulation education, psychological safety in learning environments, faculty development, student well-being, and innovative approaches to nursing education. She is committed to helping students develop not only the knowledge and skills necessary to become excellent nurses, but also the confidence, compassion, resilience, and character needed to serve others well.
Faith and family are central to Dr. Trotter’s life. She has been actively involved in her local church for more than 14 years and values opportunities to serve her church and community. Outside of the university, she is a proud wife and mother of two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family and is grateful for the opportunity to integrate her faith, vocation, and passion for nursing education to serve others.
Department Chair, Nursing; Assistant Professor of Nursing

Equip yourself for a successful career and a life of purpose.
JBU does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, employment, educational programs, or activities.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked regional university (U.S. News) and No. 2 private university (The Wall Street Journal), JBU enrolls more than 2,500 students from 34 states and 43 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers over 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including business, nursing, visual arts, engineering, teacher education, psychology, computer science, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Twelve graduate degrees are available in business, counseling and cybersecurity.