School of Health Sciences – Faculty and Staff

Jeff Bolles joined Francis Marion University, in Fall 2024, as an Associate Professor of Public Health. Jeff received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education Theory (Exercise Physiology) from the State University of New York, College at Cortland, a Master of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science (Exercise Physiology) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master of Business Administration (Financial Services) from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, a Graduate Certificate in Finance from East Carolina University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Studies (Health Education and Administration) from Texas Woman’s University. Jeff’s research interests include Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS [Lou Gehrig’s disease, health behavior theory and application, epidemiology, and health advocacy.

Prior to his faculty appointment at Francis Marion, Jeff was the Assistant Director of the MBA Program and a lecturer in healthcare administration, business communication, and finance at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, a position he held for five years. Jeff has also been an Associate Professor and Department Chair of Healthcare Administration at The University of Mount Olive, from 2016 to 2019, Assistant Professor and Health Promotion Coordinator at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, from 2008 to 2016, and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, NCAA Compliance Officer, and Lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, from 2003 to 2008. Jeff is active in several professional healthcare administration and public health organizations, is a review editor for Frontiers in Public Health Education and Promotion, and has authored one book and several research articles, presented at many national and international conferences, delivered webinars, and has served on three advisory boards.

Originally from Western New York, Jeff transplanted in southeastern North Carolina in 2000 and currently lives in Lumberton, North Carolina with his wife, daughter, and son. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys running, cycling, reading, traveling, and attending/viewing sporting events, especially those that involve his beloved Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.

Karen Gittings is a professor of nursing and Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Francis Marion University, Florence, South Carolina. Dr. Gittings received her diploma in nursing from The Washington Hospital School of Nursing, Washington, Pennsylvania and her BSN from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus. She earned her MSN with specialization in nursing education and her DNP at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was a 2015 to 2016 Amy V. Cockcroft Fellow, achieved certification in online instruction in 2011, became a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) in 2013 and earned certification as an Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl) with the inaugural group of test-takers. Dr. Gittings has extensive experience in critical care nursing and has been a certified critical-care RN (CCRN) since 1991.

Her areas of teaching and clinical expertise are medical–surgical nursing, critical care, and cardiac nursing. She has taught students across the curriculum in the BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. Dr. Gittings has co-authored three books and eight book chapters. Dr. Gittings has also presented nationally on multiple nursing education-related topics.

She is past president of Francis Marion University’s chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, Chi Lambda Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, and the Pee Dee Area Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. She is a recipient of multiple Outstanding Faculty Teaching Awards at Francis Marion University and the South Carolina Palmetto Gold Award (2005).

Sarah Kershner joined Francis Marion University in Spring 2017 and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Public Health and Chair of the Healthcare Administration Department. Sarah received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from Clemson University, Master of Public Health degree from the University of South Carolina, and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Health Promotion, Education and Behavior from the University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health. Sarah’s interest areas include reproductive health/sexual health, research and evaluation, LGBTQ+ inclusivity in healthcare, contraceptive technologies, sexually transmitted infections, and adolescent risky behaviors.

Prior to her role at Francis Marion, Sarah worked at Fact Forward (formerly SC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy) for over nine years where she managed a federal research study supporting the implementation of a reproductive health curricula in South Carolina middle schools aimed at reducing the teen birth rate statewide. Sarah has authored several peer-reviewed articles, presented dozens of presentations nationwide and has been involved on review teams and panels with Mathematica Policy Research, Cornell University and ETR Associates.

Sarah grew up in Florence and is happy to have returned to the Pee Dee area after living ten years in Columbia. Sarah resides in Olanta, SC with her husband, their eight-year-old son and four “furbabies.”