Chelsea Durbin, newly promoted to Assistant Dean for Student Services and Enrollment at the GW School of Nursing, has swiftly become an instrumental leader within the department, blending her strategic vision and deep commitment to student success. Originally from California and now living in West Virginia, Durbin brings a unique blend of warmth and experience that enriches her approach to leadership and engagement.
Her journey at GW Nursing began when she took the role of enrollment director, where she demonstrated a strong ability to lead and innovate. Her efforts in restructuring the admissions process were nothing short of transformative, establishing a more efficient, student-focused approach that made the admissions process both smoother and more welcoming. She also launched targeted student outreach initiatives that strengthened the connection between the school and prospective students, enhancing GW Nursing’s appeal and accessibility. These foundational changes have helped solidify the School of Nursing’s reputation for excellence in student service, and her impact was evident from day one.
Her colleagues and students alike are drawn to her collaborative leadership style and her genuine care for each individual’s success. "Chelsea has created a student-centered experience that is grounded in support, respect, and empowerment," a colleague notes. Her dedication shines through her efforts to create an environment where students feel empowered to thrive academically and professionally. She encourages her team to work with empathy and creativity, building a culture where students and staff alike are inspired to give their best.
In her new role, Durbin has ambitious plans for GW Nursing. She envisions an inclusive environment where students feel not only welcomed but supported at every stage—from admission through graduation and beyond. A core part of her vision is Holistic Student Support, an approach that prioritizes academic excellence alongside personal and professional development. She’s also keenly aware of the challenges faced by students entering the rigorous world of nursing. Her vision is to foster an ecosystem that celebrates diversity, provides resources for academic resilience, and promotes strong peer and faculty connections to help students achieve their goals.
Under her leadership, GW Nursing is launching initiatives like the 60+ credit completion program and a new Direct Entry MSN, both of which expand access to nursing education and empower students to embark on advanced nursing roles. “The School of Nursing has endless potential to elevate its impact in the field of nursing education,” Durbin reflects. “I truly believe we have the opportunity to be the best nursing school in the country.”
Beyond the office, Chelsea is an avid hiker and cat enthusiast, spending much of her free time outdoors with her family or indulging in quiet moments with a good book. Her love for nature, family, and her cherished cats are a grounding force in her busy life, keeping her refreshed and inspired.
As Chelsea continues to lead, she brings to the School of Nursing a balance of strategic insight and compassion. Her vision for a supportive, student-centered environment is reshaping the landscape of student success at GW Nursing, laying the groundwork for generations of nursing professionals who are as compassionate as they are skilled. Her colleagues look forward to seeing the ongoing positive impact she will have on GW Nursing's community, driving it toward new heights of growth and excellence.
What is the biggest challenge that you've tackled/overcome so far in your time at GW Nursing?
The biggest challenge I’ve tackled since joining GW Nursing has been navigating a school in transition during a time of significant change. When I came on board, we were facing new leadership, high turnover, team members who were burned out, and there was a general sense of uncertainty. It was clear that we needed to rebuild the team and reestablish stability, all while learning a new institutional landscape and ensuring that our operations moved forward without disruption.
Rebuilding the team was a top priority—bringing in fresh energy, while supporting and re-engaging those who had been feeling the weight of burnout. Creating an environment where people felt valued, heard, and aligned with our collective goals was essential. At the same time, I had to quickly familiarize myself with the nuances of the new leadership structure and strategic priorities, all while promoting stability both internally within our team and externally to prospective students and partners. I believe in creating a culture of open communication, collaboration, mutual support and fun! Using this approach, we’ve been able to turn a challenging period into an opportunity for growth and revitalization. Today, the team is more cohesive, energized, and focused on delivering the best possible experience for our students.
What is your vision for admissions and student services now that you're a few months into this new role?
My vision for admissions and student services at GW Nursing is to help build a place where students want to come, want to stay, and want to celebrate being a part of once they graduate. Building on the dean’s vision and our strategic plan, I am excited to create a student-centered experience that really focuses on helping every student grow, thrive, and succeed.
At the heart of this vision is Holistic Student Support – building a support system that covers all the bases, from academics to personal and professional growth, making sure our students have everything they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. I’m focused on enhancing student affairs by creating meaningful connections and fostering a sense of belonging within our community. At the same time, I am equally as focused on ensuring the staff working alongside our students are happy and fulfilled in their roles. I believe that student success starts with a team that feels valued and empowered to do their best work. My vision also incorporates the promotion of teamwork, open communication, and a shared sense of purpose within student affairs so that we can better serve both our students and staff.
What are the greatest opportunities that you see for the school over the next few years?
I believe the School of Nursing has nothing but endless potential to expand and elevate our impact in nursing education! With the launch of the 60+ credit program, we’re opening the doors to more students, making it more accessible for individuals to pursue a career in nursing. Additionally, the development of the Direct Entry MSN program presents a tremendous opportunity to capture a new group of students who are eager to enter the profession at an advanced level. Dean Kelly-Weeder has brought in fresh perspectives and strategies that I believe are going to help us reach new levels of success. While we are already a great school of nursing, I firmly believe we have the potential to become the best school of nursing nationwide.
What brings you joy outside of work and why?
My daughter brings me my daily dose of joy! Raising a toddler is both exhausting and beautiful – I love getting to experience the world over from her perspective. I also find a tremendous amount of joy in being outside – I am an avid hiker and find both my joy and my peace in the great outdoors. I also love a good book, a nightcap accompanied by a good record, and strolling a farmer’s market on a Saturday morning.