Karla Larson

Assistant Dean for Nursing
Catherine McAuley School of Nursing

Academic Bio

Karla Larson, Ph.D., RN, is the assistant dean for nursing at Maryville University’s Catherine McAuley School of Nursing.

Dr. Larson is a nationally recognized expert in the development of diversity sensitivity among healthcare professionals and leadership, with more than 20 years of experience in the development of quality nursing education programs, nursing faculty, curricula, regulations, and policies — both locally and nationally.

At Maryville, she oversees the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing in its planning, coordination, and evaluation for more than 3,200 nursing students on ground and online across pre-licensure undergraduate, MSN, and DNP programs. Additionally, Dr. Larson serves as an associate professor of nursing.

Dr. Larson is a graduate of Capella University, where she earned her Ph.D. in Adult and Postsecondary Education. She also obtained her MSN from the University of Minnesota and BSN from Bethel University.

Before joining Maryville University, Dr. Larson served as director of nursing academic services for Orbis Education, dean of academic affairs for Chamberlain University, associate dean of faculty for the School of Nursing at Kaplan Higher Education, director of professional services for HCR ManorCare, as well as a host of nursing faculty positions at the assistant professor, professor, and director levels.

Areas of Expertise

  • Program and faculty development
  • Home care
  • Long-term care
  • Hospice
  • Intercultural sensitivity
  • Death anxiety

Professional Memberships

  • American Nurses Association
  • Missouri Nurses Association
  • Transcultural Nursing Society
  • Nurses Christian Fellowship
  • Sigma Theta Tau

Contact Info

Phone: 314-529-6856

Email: klarson@maryville.edu

Office: Walker Hall 147