Tiffani Chidume named associate dean for simulation and experiential learning 

The UNC School of Nursing is pleased to announce that Tiffani Chidume, DNP, RN, CHSE-A, CHSOS, FSSH, will join Carolina as the inaugural associate dean for simulation and experiential learning, effective November 1, 2026. 

In this role, Chidume will provide strategic leadership for simulation and experiential learning across Carolina Nursing, advancing innovative, evidence-based approaches that prepare students and health care professionals for complex care environments. She will build on the School’s strong foundation in simulation education while expanding collaboration with academic programs, health care partners and communities across North Carolina. 

Ahead of her official start date, Chidume will begin working with School leaders on a temporary basis to assist with planning and coordination for the Fuld simulation spaces in the new Nursing Education Building, as well as the simulation component of the School’s competency-based education initiatives. 

Chidume joins Carolina Nursing from Auburn University College of Nursing, where she has served since 2018 and is currently an associate clinical professor and simulation center coordinator. Previously, she served as a nursing faculty member and simulation lab coordinator at Southern Union State Community College. Her clinical background includes more than a decade in critical care nursing, as well as experience in nursing informatics and emergency care.  

A nationally recognized leader in health care simulation and nursing education, Chidume’s expertise spans critical care nursing, healthcare simulation and innovative educational technologies, with a particular focus on integrating virtual reality (VR) into nursing education. She holds advanced certifications as a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator-Advanced and Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist and was inducted as a Fellow of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare in 2026. This fall, she will receive two additional prestigious fellowships: induction as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) and into the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education as an Academy of Nursing Education Fellow (ANEF).  

Chidume’s scholarship focuses on advancing evidence-based simulation practices and integrating innovative technologies into nursing education. Her work has explored virtual reality, simulation debriefing, and practice readiness, among other areas. She has contributed to more than 40 scholarly publications and presentations and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL). Chidume is also the founder of the Inclusive Simulation and Mentoring (InSiM) Affinity Group within the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), an initiative dedicated to fostering group mentorship, collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development for all roles in healthcare simulation. 

Her contributions have earned national recognition, including INACSL’s Research Excellence Award and Academic Excellence Award, and the Anthony Battaglia Advancement in Simulation Award. As an INACSL Research Fellow, Chidume mentors doctoral students and faculty in building research capacity and advancing simulation science.  

Chidume earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Master of Science in Nursing from Troy University and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.  

“Chidume joins Carolina Nursing at a pivotal time as the School prepares to open its new Nursing Education Building and expand opportunities for innovative, hands-on learning,” said Dean Valerie Howard. “Her expertise and leadership will help shape the next generation of simulation and experiential education at Carolina Nursing. We’ll be delighted to welcome her to campus this fall.” 

The School is grateful for the leadership of Professor Emerita Carol Durham, who led simulation education at Carolina Nursing for nearly four decades, and Jessica White, assistant dean for innovation in teach and learning, who currently serves as interim director of the simulation lab. 

We also extend our appreciation to Ashley Leak Bryant, senior associate dean for strategy and global affairs, for chairing the search committee, and to all search committee members for their dedicated service.