Carol Lavender, RN, MSN, MBA

Interim Dean, School of Nursing and Allied Health
Clinical Placement Coordinator
Assistant Professor

• BS in Nursing, Lamar University
• Executive MBA, Houston Baptist University
• MSN - Leadership, University of Texas Medical Branch

• NURS 4454, Professional Issues and Nurse Management
• NURS 4464, Health Care Administration
• NURS 4564, Professional Issue and Nursing Leadership
• NURS 4424, Nursing in the Community and Community Health Nursing
• NURS 3434, Individuals III (Clinical Instructor)
• NURS 2404, Art and Science of Nursing

Ms. Lavender’s teaching focus is in Nursing Leadership, Management and Administration.

Ms. Lavender is responsible for the administration of the School of Nursing and Allied Health and works closely with the School of Nursing Executive Director in the following:

• Development and maintenance of an environment conducive to the teaching/learning processes
• Maintenance of the relationships with the Provost and President of HBU
• Preparing and administering the budget for the School
• Providing leadership within the faculty for the development and implementation of the curricula in nursing, kinesiology, athletic training, and other allied health programs
• Facilitating faculty development, recruitment, performance review, promotion and retention; maintaining a relationship with regulatory agencies, including Texas Board of Nursing (T-BON), The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), and Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)
• Ensuring compliance with all School and University regulatory bodies
• Supporting ongoing relationship with the community to establish affiliate agencies and ensures responsiveness to community needs
• Provide for an adequate number of qualified faculty to teach in the educational programs in the School.

Ms. Lavender has over 30 years experience as a clinician, administrator, business consultant, and educator in the healthcare industry. As former partner of Insight Advantage, a national healthcare management consulting company, she assisted executive teams in developing strategic objectives, implementing operational strategies, and successfully managing change. Her significant depth of experience has been gained through detailed involvement with client performance improvement projects as well as management oversight of numerous departments in various health care organizations across the United States. This work has led healthcare institutions on the path to financial health, clinical quality, and service excellence.

Ms. Lavender authored an educational series including work books and web-based software for teaching labor management to front line healthcare managers. She has a pasion for leadership and has served on the HBU Alumni Board of Directors, is actively involved in lay ministries at First United Methodist Church, and is a member of the International Nursing Honor Society, Sigma Theta Tau - Alpha Delta Chapter.  

Ms. Lavender serves on the Houston Baptist University Dean's Council and Academic Council and has served on the following committees in the School of Nursing and Allied Health:  Curriculum;  Admission, Progression, Graduation; Global Nurse Conference; and Institutional Research and Effectiveness.  Ms. Lavender is also a member of The Texas Nurses Association, American Organization of Nurse Executives and American College of Healthcare Executives.