Member Spotlight
Sarah Gallups, PhD, MPH, RN
Assistant Professor & BSN Program Co-Director, UAB School of Nursing inBirmingham, Alabama | 16 years in nursing | RNO Member since 2026 | Rural Specialty: Community & Public Health Nursing; Nursing Education
About Sarah Dr. Sarah Gallups is a rural Alabama native whose educational path reflects a deep commitment to improving health in underserved communities. She earned her BSN and later her MPH (Maternal & Child Health) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by her PhD in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. Her clinical and public health experience spans rural health promotion in Nicaragua, federally qualified health center practice, and HIV clinical education. Now an Assistant Professor and BSN Program Co-Director at UAB, she teaches community/public health nursing and mentors BSN Honors students.
Growing up in rural Alabama shaped her dedication to addressing health disparities driven by limited access and social determinants of health. Her work continues to center on improving care for vulnerable rural populations through education, evidence-based practice, and community-focused leadership.
Why rural nursing matters to me: Rural communities face persistent barriers to care, and nurses are often the frontline providers addressing those gaps. Having grown up in rural Alabama, I am committed to advancing health equity and improving access for rural populations.
A professional accomplishment I’m proud of: Becoming a nurse educator is one of my proudest achievements. Teaching and mentoring future nurses is deeply meaningful, and I value the opportunity to help shape the next generation of rural-focused clinicians.
Advice for fellow rural nurses Invest in mentoring new nurses: Supportive, patient guidance builds confidence, strengthens rural practice, and improves the quality of care delivered in our communities.
How I contribute to RNO: I have shared evidence-based practices through the RNO Blog and look forward to expanding my involvement through conferences, committees, and continued collaboration with rural nurses.
Thank you, Dr. Gallups, for your dedication to rural nursing and your contributions to the RNO.
