Since 1978, Dr. Richard Pullen has advanced nursing as a staff nurse, charge nurse, manager, and educator in both clinical practice and academic settings. He served as a Professor, Director, and Dean of Nursing in the community college and university for 32 years. He has had a significant influence on nursing education through exemplary teaching, leadership, scholarship, and mentorship.  He has been recognized for teaching excellence at the university, community college, the National League for Nursing (NLN), and the State of Texas. Dr. Pullen is a Certified Academic Nurse Educator and Certified Clinical Nurse Educator through the NLN. He is a Fellow in the Academy of Nursing Education, a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, and a Piper Professor of Texas. Dr. Pullen is a prolific author with over 160 peer-reviewed publications and serves on the editorial boards of several prominent nursing journals. He creates joyful learning environments for learners. His areas of expertise include teaching, leadership, medical-surgical nursing, lupus and related syndromes, and oncology. He conducts professional development activities that impact nursing education and practice.