Mary Frazier, PhD, RN
For Dr. Mary Frazier, nursing is about transforming experience into knowledge that improves lives. Whether caring for patients in the emergency department, mentoring nursing students, conducting research, or supporting fellow nurses, she is committed to strengthening both the nursing profession and the people within it. As a 2026 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Awardee, Dr. Frazier continues to advance nursing through education, research, and a deep passion for improving nurse well-being.
A Career Rooted in Learning
Mary’s nursing journey began in emergency medicine, where she discovered not only a passion for caring for patients during critical moments but also a love for teaching. While precepting new nurses, she realized the profound impact education could have on future generations of healthcare professionals, inspiring her to earn a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville before completing a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Research at Saint Louis University in 2023.
Today, Mary serves as an Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, a registered nurse at Anderson Hospital, and a Research Scientist at Memorial Hospital Belleville. These roles allow her to bridge the classroom, the bedside, and clinical research, creating meaningful connections between education, patient care, and evidence-based practice.
Advancing Nursing Through Research
As an emergency nurse, Mary experienced firsthand the emotional and psychological challenges that accompany caring for patients in crisis. Those experiences inspired her to pursue research focused on nurse well-being, transforming real-world challenges into evidence that can help create healthier work environments for nurses.
She is equally passionate about mentoring nursing students and developing innovative learning experiences that prepare future nurses to deliver safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care. By combining research with education, Mary helps ensure that new generations of nurses are equipped not only with clinical knowledge but also with the resilience and support needed to thrive throughout their careers.
Serving with Heart
Beyond her academic and clinical work, Mary has dedicated more than two decades to serving as a camp nurse for children with cancer and continues to volunteer as a camp nurse at YMCA Camp Lakewood. These experiences have reinforced her belief that nursing extends far beyond hospitals and classrooms, it is about meeting people where they are and caring for them with compassion, empathy, and hope.
Whether teaching students, mentoring colleagues, conducting research, or volunteering in her community, Mary remains committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She believes every role she holds contributes to a larger purpose: strengthening the nursing profession while improving the care and support available to patients, families, and fellow nurses.
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly recognizes Dr. Mary Frazier as a 2026 40 Under 40 Awardee for her dedication to nursing research, education, emergency nursing, and advancing nurse well-being. Through her commitment to mentorship, evidence-based practice, and compassionate service, she continues to make a lasting impact on the future of nursing and the communities she serves.
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