Academic Spotlight: Dr. Lyndsay Goss, Director of Continuing Professional Development in Nursing

Dr. Lyndsay Goss is a nursing professional and educator who's always looking for ways to advance her own education. Currently, Goss serves as Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) director of continuing professional development for nursing programs, supporting healthcare professionals through continuing education.

Goss began her college education at the University of New Hampshire, earning a bachelor's in molecular, cellular and developmental biology and a bachelor's in psychology. She later earned a master's in nursing from California State University and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Recently, Goss answered questions about her path to nursing and higher education and how she connects with learners to help them find personal and professional growth.

Can you tell us about your professional background?

My professional background spans nursing, public and community health, higher education and nursing professional development. Since 2021, I've completed my Doctor of Nursing Practice, became board certified in nursing professional development (NPD-BC) in 2021, and in 2022 became SNHU’s first director of continuing professional development in nursing. I now lead a team that creates dynamic, evidence-informed, culturally inclusive continuing education designed to advance knowledge, strengthen interprofessional collaboration and respond to the changing needs of healthcare.

Since our continuing education work began in 2017 with three live nursing webinars, it has grown into a broader interprofessional enterprise offering accredited education, digital badges, signature events and flexible online learning. Since inception, the program has developed more than 360 courses, delivered over 23,000 contact hours and reached learners in all 50 states and 89 countries. That growth reflects both the need for accessible professional development and the dedication of a highly collaborative team.

I remain committed to my own growth as well. I have earned credentials in healthcare precepting, professional and continuing online education, generative AI, data literacy and emotional intelligence. I have also presented nationally and internationally and contributed to publications on topics including nursing professional development, digital badging, accreditation, educational theory, preceptor development and interprofessional practice.

I am especially proud that SNHU Nursing received the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s NCPD Premier Award for both 2022–2024 and 2026–2028. These recognitions reflect our team’s creativity, collaboration and commitment to education that strengthens professional practice and patient care.

What first drew you to higher education?

I have always felt drawn to teaching, whether through mentoring, precepting or supporting colleagues in practice. Higher education gave me the opportunity to combine that passion with nursing and help learners connect new knowledge to their professional goals. SNHU also felt like a natural fit because of my family’s long history with the university and its learner-centered mission.

What aspects of your own education have been influential in shaping your career in academia?

My interdisciplinary education in biology, psychology, nursing and public health taught me to view people and communities from multiple perspectives. My doctoral education further strengthened my focus on evidence-informed practice, systems thinking and leadership. Together, these experiences shaped my belief that education should be inclusive, practical and responsive to evolving professional and community needs. Learning should continue throughout a career and lead to meaningful improvements in practice and health outcomes.

What attracted you to this field of study? What keeps you excited about it?

I was initially drawn to nursing because of the opportunity to care for people and support families through important moments in their healthcare experiences. Today, I am especially energized by nursing professional development because it creates a ripple effect: When healthcare professionals have access to relevant, high-quality learning, they can strengthen practice and improve patient outcomes.

What continues to excite me is how quickly healthcare and education evolve. Our recent programming has explored topics ranging from leadership, health equity and trauma-informed care to emergency preparedness and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. On a personal level, that variety is also part of the fun — my work continually challenges me to learn something new, explore an unfamiliar topic and learn from the expertise and experiences of others.

How have you found ways to effectively connect with students?

I still teach, and the relationships I build with students remain very important to me. I try to be present, responsive and genuinely interested in their experiences, goals and professional growth. My continuing education work offers another way to support those relationships by helping faculty and staff connect with students more effectively and by addressing topics relevant to the learners we serve.

Many participants in our continuing education activities also come from outside SNHU. Our programs have reached learners in every state and around the world, so we are intentional about creating welcoming and accessible experiences across live and on-demand formats. Through thoughtful communication, meaningful interaction and opportunities to learn with and from others, I want every participant to know that we are invested in their growth and success.

What brings you the greatest joy in your work at SNHU?

The greatest joy comes from seeing education translate into confidence, professional growth and meaningful change in practice. I am also deeply grateful for colleagues who bring creativity, expertise and a shared commitment to our work. Signature programs such as Thought Leaders and the Global Summit have connected interdisciplinary audiences across the United States and internationally around important healthcare challenges. Watching an idea become an engaging educational experience — and then seeing its reach extend far beyond SNHU — is incredibly rewarding.

What do you feel is unique about the faculty and students you work with?

Our faculty and students bring a remarkable range of professional experiences, perspectives and goals to the learning environment. Many are balancing education with demanding careers, families and service to their communities. That lived experience enriches learning and creates opportunities for everyone to learn from one another. I am continually inspired by their resilience, curiosity and commitment to improving the lives of others.

What does SNHU’s mission to transform the lives of learners mean to you?

To me, transforming the lives of learners means meeting people where they are and creating opportunities that help them recognize what is possible. Education can build confidence, open new professional pathways and give learners tools they can immediately apply in their work and communities. What resonates most with me about SNHU’s mission is that transformation does not follow a single path — it looks different for every learner, but its influence can extend well beyond the educational experience itself.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or really enjoy doing?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, listening to music, getting outdoors and making and eating good food. More recently, I have developed a passion for tennis. I am still very much a beginner, but learning the game has been both fun and humbling, and it has become a great outlet for me.

Alexa Gustavsen ’21 '26G is a content marketing specialist and writer at Southern New Hampshire University. Based in New Hampshire, she completed her bachelor's in creative writing and English on campus at SNHU. She also earned a master's in marketing from the university. Connect with her on LinkedIn.