Laura A. Fennimore

Dr. Fennimore is an accomplished leader and educator with more than 35 years of experience in healthcare management. She brings her real-world experience and executive knowledge to the classroom for DNP students in the Health Systems Executive Leadership program. Prior to her appointment as a full professor in the appointment stream in the Acute and Tertiary Care Department, Dr. Fennimore held several leadership positions within the UPMC health system. She served as the Director of Clinical Programs at UPMC Health Plan where she led case management services for vulnerable populations, including children and adults with complex physical and behavioral health care needs. In this role, Dr. Fennimore developed case management strategies and clinical programs to achieve strategic business and financial goals. Her extensive hospital experience included multiple roles with UPMC Presbyterian including clinical instructor, nurse manager, director of oncology disease management, director of nursing, and director of organizational development and nursing education and research.

Dr. Fennimore has contributed to nursing education throughout her career. She was the Director of Nursing Education for the Oncology Nursing Society from 1999-2006. She served as the coordinator of the Pitt Nursing Education Minor/Certificate Program from 2021-2025. She has been recognized with multiple awards for her teaching expertise including the Dean's Distinguished Teaching Award, the Nursing Excellence in Teaching Award, the Nurse Educator Cameo of Caring Award, and the Teaching as Research Award. She was selected as a finalist for the Academic Educator award from the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania

Dr. Fennimore is a national nursing leader actively engaged in professional organizations within nursing leadership, nursing education, oncology, and palliative care. She is a past president of the Oncology Nursing Society and served as the Organization Affiliates Liaison to the Board of Directors for the American Nurses Association. She was inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) in 2020. She served as an elected member of the university Senate Education Policy Committee and the provost’s Advisory Council on Instructional Excellence.