SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador 2026: Plattsburgh – Shannon Lindow

Shannon Lindow, MSN/Ed., RN is an Assistant Professor in the RN-BSN online program at SUNY Plattsburgh.

“For the past ten years, I have had the privilege of working with practicing registered nurses who are returning to school is both humbling and inspiring. My role is to nurture their continued growth by helping them strengthen critical thinking, expand leadership capacity, and embrace the identity of the baccalaureate-prepared nurse as a lifelong learner.

I understand firsthand the realities of the working nurse. Many of my students balance full-time clinical roles, family responsibilities, and academic demands simultaneously. Because of this, I design my courses with clarity, organization, and flexibility, while maintaining high expectations. I strive to create an online environment that respects their time, honors their professional experience, and challenges them to grow.

Relevance is central to my teaching philosophy. Online assignments are intentionally grounded in real-world nursing practice. When nurses can immediately connect coursework to patient safety, workflow efficiency, team communication, or organizational culture, the value of continuing education becomes tangible. My goal is for students to not only complete a degree, but to experience professional transformation.

In addition to teaching RN–BSN students, I also teach in pre-licensure programs, which brings a very different and equally meaningful dynamic. These students are just beginning their professional journey. Whether teaching experienced nurses or students preparing for licensure, I aim to cultivate curiosity, accountability, and professional pride.

At the heart of my online teaching is caring. I care for my students, for the profession of nursing, and for the patients they will serve. I want my students to grow, to challenge themselves, and to recognize their potential as leaders within healthcare systems. If they leave my course feeling more empowered, more reflective, and more committed to excellence in nursing practice, then I know the learning experience has made a meaningful impact.”