FLORENCE, Ala. – Melissa Armstead, Chief Nursing Officer at North Alabama Medical Center, will deliver the commencement speech at the University of North Alabama’s winter graduation at the 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 12, in Norton Auditorium.

Armstead holds two degrees from UNA, including a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). She also has a Certificate for Professionals in Patient Safety.

“Commencement offers a unique opportunity to welcome our alumni to take the stage and share their thoughts, experiences, and advice with our graduates,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “Hearing from these individuals about their professional lives, and how UNA provided a solid foundation, provides insights that can be invaluable to our graduates as they embark on their next steps in the journey.”

A native of Muscle Shoals, Armstead has more than 18 years of nursing leadership experience. She returned to the leadership team at NAMC in June and oversees nursing operations, drives quality improvement initiatives, and enhances staff development programs. Her extensive background includes leadership roles in acute care settings, where she successfully implemented innovative patient care models and improved clinical outcomes.

Armstead has also served as the CNO for Southern Tennessee Regional Health System in Lawrenceburg, Tenn. She was a member of the hospital’s leadership team when it received Lifepoint Health’s 2023 Operational Excellence Award.