Skip to main
University-wide Navigation

Please join BH WELL in congratulating Zim Okoli PhD, MPH, MSN, RN, NCTTP for being appointed Executive Director of Mental and Behavioral Health for the UK College of Nursing. In this role, he will work to advance mental and behavioral health nursing education, practice and research. Dr. Okoli currently serves as Director of Tobacco Treatment Specialist and Evidence-Based Practice at Eastern State Hospital. In this new role, Dr. Okoli will be able to advance services with his recent board certification as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), as well as expand his program of research, lead innovative efforts for BSN programs and build a PhD nursing option for mental and behavioral health science.

Gwen Moreland DNP, Marc Woods MSN, Andy Cooley MD and many others recognized Dr. Okoli’s outstanding research contributions regarding evidence-based programs and tailored tobacco treatment for individuals living with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders and to the health care providers who provide care to them. He has a steadfast commitment to strengthen the nursing workforce and mentor the next generation of nurse scientists. 

 

BH WELL is grateful to have Dr. Okoli as its director. His passion to address mental and behavioral health challenges in marginalized populations has led to improved outcomes for individuals living with mental and behavioral health illnesses. Congratulations!