Women to Watch at UA Little Rock: Judy Staley
In celebration of Women’s History Month, UA Little Rock is profiling women in leadership positions who are making a difference at the university and in the community.
The next Woman to Watch at UA Little Rock of 2025 is future Dr. Judy Staley – assistant professor of nursing, doctoral student, mom of three, secret Weather Channel enthusiast, and cattle rancher.
Tell us about yourself and your background.
My name is Judy Staley, and I am an assistant professor in the School of Nursing—a role I have proudly embraced since 2020. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be part of the medical field, inspired by the dedicated nurses in my life and a personal loss of my sister that opened my eyes to the profound impact healthcare can have. Initially, I aspired to become an OB/GYN physician, but as life unfolded, I discovered nursing—a field where I have now dedicated 20 years of my life.
After high school, I began my career by obtaining a cosmetology license and working in the field for a year. However, my passion for healthcare led me to become a medical assistant in an outstanding clinic, where I learned the importance of teamwork and the value of a supportive work environment. With the arrival of our third son, I made the difficult decision to leave my full-time position and pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. Juggling two part-time jobs, family responsibilities, and full-time nursing studies was undoubtedly challenging, but the unwavering support of my loved ones enabled me to earn my BSN and thrive as a labor and delivery nurse—a role that I ultimately found more fulfilling than my original aspirations in medicine.
Though I once said, “I would never teach,” my experience at a teaching hospital as a bedside nurse ignited a passion for educating the next generation of nurses. Never say never. I eagerly embraced opportunities as an adjunct instructor and soon realized that becoming a nursing educator was my true calling. To enhance my expertise, I transitioned from labor and delivery to the emergency department and began pursuing my MSN. During this transformative period, I also built a house on our family farm, celebrated my oldest son’s high school graduation, and navigated the challenges of COVID-19.
Upon completing my MSN, I joined UA Little Rock, and I am currently in the process of pursuing my DNP in Nursing Education, with an expected graduation in August 2026. I thrive on tackling challenges and have often been told that certain feats are impossible. My response has always been, “challenge accepted.” This mindset not only drives my professional endeavors but also fuels my commitment to my family and personal growth.
Family is at the heart of everything I do. I have been blessed to share this journey with my high school sweetheart, whom I married the day after graduating high school almost 24 years ago. Together, we welcomed our first son just two months later, and our family has since grown to include three wonderful boys—one working as a plumber, another studying aerospace and mechanical engineering at Oklahoma State University, and our youngest currently in seventh grade.
We have been fortunate to build our dream home on our family farm, where we learned the art of cattle farming from my husband’s grandfather—a legacy that continues with our herd of approximately 35 cattle and 15 chickens, with plans to welcome even more animals in the future. After a long day in the classroom, simulation lab, or a 12-hour clinical shift, there is nothing quite like the peace and solace that returning to the farm provides.
What is your current position and professional duties at UA Little Rock?
I am proud to serve as an assistant professor at the UA Little Rock School of Nursing, where I teach OB/Reproductive Health and Mental Health year-round in spring, summer, and fall semester. In addition to classroom instruction, I lead simulation sessions and accompany students to clinical placements. While our regular academic days are eight hours, clinical days extend to 12 hours to ensure comprehensive learning experiences.
Each semester, I mentor approximately 60 students and advise around 30 during both the spring and fall terms. I also chair our Student Activity and Advisory Committee and serve as the Student Nurses Association (SNA) faculty sponsor. Beyond these roles, I am a member of the Curriculum and Assessment Committee for the School of Nursing, chair the University’s Academic and Calendar Committee, and represent the School of Nursing on the Faculty Senate. I also serve on the Campus Campaign Steering Committee, which assists in fundraising efforts for the university.
What brought you to UA Little Rock?
I chose to come to UA Little Rock because of the students. During my time working as a bedside nurse in a teaching hospital, I had the pleasure of working with nursing students from all over central Arkansas. The days I had the opportunity to work with a UA Little Rock nursing student always stood out. These students arrived knowledgeable, with a passion for nursing and a strong desire to learn. That is what nursing is all about—continuous learning and growth.
As a nontraditional student myself, I understand firsthand the unique challenges and frustrations that come with that journey. While I love all of our students, I have a special appreciation for our nontraditional students, who bring diverse perspectives and resilience to our academic community.
What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at UA Little Rock?
I am currently working on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into our classroom and simulation settings. Additionally, I am collaborating with a dedicated team to educate our students about maternal mortality—a topic that is deeply personal and a true passion of mine.
What woman has inspired you the most and why?
I have been fortunate to have many remarkable women influence my life—my mother-in-law, mother, aunts, cousins, coworkers, and friends. However, one woman in particular has directly inspired my nursing career: my Aunt Brenda Ziegler. Not only is she a nurse practitioner, but she has also been one of my greatest cheerleaders. Throughout her own nursing journey, she has exemplified resilience, determination, and compassion, serving as a powerful role model for me. When she is passionate about something, she commits fully and overcomes any obstacles in her path.
Her unwavering determination inspired me during a challenging time in nursing school. When I was struggling and on the verge of failing a class in nursing school, she flew in from Texas to help me understand complex nursing concepts. We dedicated an entire weekend to studying together, and with her support, I was able to overcome that hurdle. My Aunt Brenda continues to inspire me to be a caring, determined, compassionate, and empowering woman, fostering confidence and a commitment to lifelong learning.
What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
One leadership lesson I’ve learned is to step back and view the big picture, including the aspects that may be challenging or uncomfortable. Instead of focusing on complaints, a true leader proactively seeks solutions. Leadership isn’t about issuing orders from a distance; it’s about standing side by side with your team, actively engaging with them, and serving as their biggest cheerleader. This approach not only builds trust but also fosters a collaborative environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
My advice to the next generation of female leaders is to believe in your potential and trust your intuition. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Cultivate a strong network of mentors and peers who support and inspire you, and always remember the value of resilience and perseverance.
Lead with empathy, authenticity, and confidence—your unique voice and perspective are your greatest assets. Go out there and be the change you wish to see; make people remember your name. Hold your head up high, believe in yourself, and remember: accept every challenge with a “go big or go home” attitude. As you rise, lift others along with you, creating an environment where every woman can thrive.
Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.
I have a deep appreciation for the weather and even enjoy watching the Weather Channel for fun. I love observing storm systems as they develop and feel the refreshing wind in my hair. If I weren’t dedicated to nursing and nurse education, I might have pursued a career in meteorology.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” from Proverbs 3:5. I firmly believe that I wouldn’t be where I am today without my faith and the grace of God. These foundational elements have been my guiding light, inspiring resilience and determination throughout my journey. I am deeply grateful for the support and strength that my faith provides, and it continues to motivate me everyday.