MEET THE FACULTY

Dr. brian foster

DNP, APRN, CRNA

Dr. Brian Foster is the founding director of the Nurse Anesthesiology Program at Carson-Newman University. He holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia from Union University, and he received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Middle Tennessee State University.

With more than two decades of healthcare experience, Dr. Foster has served as a CRNA, nurse educator, simulation innovator, and academic leader. He previously held positions at Union University and South College and continues to practice anesthesia in high-acuity surgical settings. His academic portfolio includes courses in advanced anatomy & physiology, neurosurgical anesthesia, pediatrics, health assessment, cardiac anesthesia, basics of anesthesia, advanced concepts of anesthesia, and board review courses.

Dr. Foster is widely recognized for his contributions to simulation-based education, anatomical instruction, and anesthesia curriculum development. His scholarly output includes over 30 professional presentations, multiple process improvement initiatives, and national involvement in nurse anesthesia publications and certification modules. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, American Association of Clinical Anatomists, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Dr. Foster leads with the conviction that education should be personalized, purposeful, and transformative. He is deeply committed to eliminating barriers to learning and creating an environment where every student is valued and supported.

Founding Program Director

dR. ROBBIE DAWN WHYBREW

EdD, CRNA, APRN, CPT
(U.S. Army Reserve)

Dr. Robbie Dawn Whybrew brings extensive clinical, military, and educational experience to her role as Assistant Program Director. She holds a Doctor of Education in Ministry Leadership from Liberty University, a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia from Union University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Harding University, and EMT-Paramedic certification from Creighton University.

Dr. Whybrew is a Captain in the United States Army Reserve Nurse Corps, having served both stateside and abroad. Her deployments include Germany, Honduras, and Afghanistan, where she was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device and the Combat Action Badge during the fall of Kabul in 2021. She is the former commander of the 936th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment (FRSD).

As a CRNA, she has provided anesthesia care to adults, neonates, obstetric, cardiac, neuro, trauma, and pediatric patients. Her professional journey spans diverse environments—from academic appointments as Assistant Professor at Union University, to service in VA hospitals, civilian anesthesia groups, and air medical transport. Her career history reflects a commitment to both critical care and community impact through education, simulation training, and global service.

Dr. Whybrew has also taught in classroom, conference, and international mission settings, and is an American Heart Association instructor and training center faculty member.

Her numerous honors include:

• Army Achievement Medal

• Afghanistan Campaign Medal

• Humanitarian Service Medal

• NATO Medal

• Norwegian Medal for Defense Operations Abroad–Afghanistan

• Presidential Unit Citation

• Meritorious Unit Commendation

A member of Sigma Theta Tau International, Dr. Whybrew is deeply passionate about developing students into capable, confident, and compassionate nurse anesthetists. She sees Carson-Newman’s Nurse Anesthesiology Program as a place where academic excellence, faith-based values, and military precision converge to create a powerful learning environment.

Assistant Program Director

At Carson-Newman, our faculty are more than instructors—they are mentors, clinicians, and servant-leaders committed to helping students grow in knowledge, confidence, and calling. Together, we are building a program that honors Christ, strengthens communities, and advances the profession of nurse anesthesia.