Kentucky State University Assistant Professor and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Track Coordinator, Dr. Joy Coles, was recently inducted as a fellow of the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA). This prestigious distinction is a tremendous recognition of professional achievement and contributions to the field of heart failure medicine.

Dr. Coles was officially inducted during the Sunday Plenary at the HFSA Annual Scientific Meeting held on Sept. 26 – 29 in Minneapolis, MN.

“I am humbled and honored and could not be more thankful to my Nursing Leadership and all those who truly share in this moment! I have been blessed to have great support and encouragers like Dr. Broaddus and a loving family. I hope to always make my KSU family proud,” said Dr. Coles.

Dr. Coles is a nationally board-certified adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner with a career spanning over a decade dedicated to taking care of patients in the cardiovascular ICU. In addition to her role at Kentucky State, she also works at UK Hospital on the advanced heart failure/ heart transplant/mechanical circulatory support team as a nurse practitioner. She also recently served as the State of Kentucky Liaison for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and serves as the current elected Vice-Chair of Ethics & Human Rights for the Kentucky Nurses Association.

Dr. Coles applies her real-world knowledge and expertise in the courses she teaches at Kentucky State as well as in the guidance she provides to Kentucky State nursing students pursuing their DNP. In addition to bringing her clinical expertise, Dr. Coles also completed her post-doctoral training in nursing education at John Hopkins University to enhance her services and mentorship to students.

“Here at Kentucky State University, I always wanted to bring my best…I’m so grateful to be here at an HBCU, being able to invest in learners and really truly give them the best of me,” she said.

Dr. Coles has helped to advance the field of heart failure medicine through her research contributions and her dedication as a member across multiple board committees throughout her career. Her work has also helped to raise funds and forge strategic partnerships for both the university and a variety of community organizations including the American Heart Association (AHA) in which she was featured for her work on the AHA Leaders of Impact campaign that raised more than $214,000 toward supporting cardiovascular health initiatives in Central and Eastern Kentucky communities.

“Kentucky State University School of Nursing students are fortunate to have the opportunity to study under the guidance of Dr. Coles,” said Dr. Mary Ellen Broaddus, Nurse Program Administrator. “Dr. Coles is a true visionary, working daily to bring success to each student by promoting career growth and enhancing healthcare for the citizens of the Commonwealth and beyond.”