Lindell Joseph didn’t always know she would become a leader in nursing. After graduating from high school in New York, she returned to St. Croix at her father’s urging to “focus” and enrolled at UVI. On the Albert A. Sheen Campus, she explored a variety of subjects, from English literature to anatomy and physiology, following her curiosity wherever it led.
One day, she noticed a group of students deeply engrossed in their textbooks and asked what they were studying. Their answer — “nursing” — planted the seed for what would become a remarkable career in nursing leadership.
In 1988, Joseph graduated from UVI with an associate degree in nursing and began her career at Juan Luis Hospital. She vividly recalls her first year on the job in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo, when she had to rely on her training and step up and take charge immediately. “If you can survive this, you can survive anything,” she said.
Reflecting on her time at UVI, Joseph credits her professors for building her confidence. She remembers nursing professor Marilyn Newman, who always believed in her, and English professor Erica Smitowitz, who encouraged her to continue analyzing and keep writing.
Today, Dr. Joseph holds a Ph.D. and is a clinical professor at the University of Iowa and Editor-in-Chief of Nurse Leader, the official journal of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. She also serves as director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Health Systems: Administration and Executive Leadership Programs and is co-founder of the National Consortium for Innovativeness in Healthcare.
Throughout her career, patient care has remained at the heart of her work, but Joseph’s passion has been improving the entire system through leadership effectiveness. “I was always looking at the bigger picture and how I could improve the environment for patients and employees, enhance communication and patient education,” she said. Joseph’s work continues to transform healthcare systems, empower teams, and inspire future nurses — all sparked by the curiosity and confidence she discovered at UVI.