Professor Kessler teaches courses in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. She is responsible for teaching medical/surgical nursing content and leadership/management content at the undergraduate level, and she teaches several courses within the DNP program. She was the 2005-2006 recipient of the Valparaiso University’s Caterpillar Award for Excellence in Teaching.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Kessler has been active with the local and state levels of the Indiana Nurses Association, the Indiana Division of the American Cancer Society, and the Zeta Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. Her research interests include cognitive appraisal and quality of life for individuals facing cancer and the health status of uninsured and underserved adults.

She is published in a variety of journals including: Journal of Professional Nursing, Research in Nursing and Health, Nursing Leadership Forum, Oncology Nursing Forum, Journal of Community Health Nursing, and Journal of Nursing Education. Dr. Kessler is serving the ANCC as a member of the Commission on Certification. Previously, she served as the education specialist and Chair of the Content Expert Panel for the CNS in Adult Health Nursing. Dr. Kessler is also a site visitor for the Commission on Collegiate Education.