A retired commander in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, Anne Marie Devney, EdD, has established a distinguished post-military career in nursing education and clinical practice, marked by more than five decades of service and leadership. Since 2013, she has worked as an assistant teaching professor at the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing at The Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State, where she has also contributed as a clinical instructor since 2007.
In these positions, Dr. Devney has demonstrated a profound commitment to shaping the next generation of nurses, with her most notable achievement being her ability to teach and mentor future nurses. Her expertise in geriatric nursing and veterans care is widely recognized, and she is particularly proud of her work with students, including delivering a presentation in 2018 on rapid anxiety reduction for students.
Prior to her tenure at Penn State, Dr. Devney was director of health services at the College of Lake County from 1989 to 2007. In this capacity, she oversaw comprehensive health programs and made significant contributions to student wellness initiatives. Earlier in her career, she worked with WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, further honing her clinical skills and deepening her understanding of patient care.
Dr. Devney’s professional journey began with nearly 21 years of service in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. Her military career provided a strong foundation in leadership and specialized care for veterans, culminating in her retirement at the rank of commander. This experience not only shaped her clinical acumen but also instilled a lifelong dedication to serving those who have served the nation.
Dr. Devney also demonstrates a commitment to the continued pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement through her academic history. Her education started with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the The University of Rhode Island in 1970 and a Bachelor of Science in anesthesia from The George Washington University in 1978. Dr. Devney obtained a Master of Science in Education and Curriculum Instruction at Pepperdine University in 1981, followed by a Master of Arts in education and training management from San Diego State University in 1985. Subsequently, she earned a Doctor of Education with a focus on adult education from Northern Illinois University in 1994. She was additionally certified as a nurse educator in 2018.
Throughout her career, Dr. Devney has been an active member of several professional organizations. She maintains membership in the National League for Nursing, the American Nurses Association, the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, The American Legion, and the Navy Nurse Corps Association. These affiliations have enabled her to remain at the forefront of advancements within the field while contributing to broader conversations about nursing practice and policy.
Dr. Devney’s contributions extend beyond teaching and clinical work to include scholarly activity and public engagement. She has presented at two national computer conferences as well as at multiple American College Health Association conferences. Dr. Devney penned an article comparing the 1918 flu pandemic with the 2020 flu pandemic, focusing on nursing education and student preparation during these critical periods—a topic she finds both timely and compelling.
When looking back on her accomplishments, Dr. Devney attributes her success to an unwavering belief that anything is achievable through determination and perseverance. Influential figures, including Patricia Cope, her first charge nurse, and Blair Wallace, a colleague during her Navy service, played pivotal roles in guiding her early development and supporting her professional growth. Dr. Devney’s efforts were honored in 2025 when she won the Volunteer of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association. She has also been presented with an Achievement Medal from the U.S. Navy.
Looking to the future, Dr. Devney remains dedicated to advancing nursing education with particular emphasis on improving care for adults and America’s veterans. She hopes her legacy will be that of an educator who encouraged students to think deeply about their responsibilities as caregivers by emphasizing compassionate care for the whole person, rather than focusing solely on clinical procedures or test results.
Dr. Devney has fostered a legacy rooted in empathy, critical thinking, and an enduring commitment to excellence within the nursing profession. Beyond her work, she is happily married to Rebecca Daugherty, a social worker who is pursuing her doctorate in social work. In her personal time, Dr. Devney enjoys raising chickens and ducks.