Raleigh is the Program Director for the Nurse Anesthesia program at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU). A native of West TN, he always felt a calling to the East TN region and earned his Master of Nursing with an anesthesia concentration from LMU in 2017 and later completed his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at LMU in 2024. Following graduation, Raleigh practiced in Memphis, TN, specializing in providing anesthesia for liver and cardiovascular cases. He later transitioned to rural healthcare, working alongside his wife, Julie, as the sole anesthesia providers for a rural access hospital, ensuring high-quality care for an underserved community. During this time, he stayed in touch with his former program and would return to campus to give guest lectures and assist with labs. His passion to help teach, guide and mentor future CRNAs was first realized during this time. In 2022, he joined the faculty at LMU as the Clinical Coordinator, where he played a key role in developing and strengthening clinical education for nurse anesthesia students. His leadership and dedication led to his appointment as Program Director in 2025. Beyond his academic role, Raleigh is a Captain in the United States Army Reserve, serving as an anesthesia provider for the 933rd Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment. Additionally, he is actively involved in professional advocacy, serving as the Federal Co-Political Director for the Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists, where he works to advance the profession and promote patient-centered healthcare policies at both the state and national levels. With a passion for education, clinical excellence, and professional advocacy, Raleigh is committed to shaping the future of nurse anesthesia through mentorship, leadership, and service.
Marie Williams Julien, DNP, CRNA, serves as Assistant Director of the Nurse Anesthesia Program at Lincoln Memorial University's Caylor School of Nursing, where she leads the program's transition to a hybrid learning model. She joined LMU as faculty before being promoted to Assistant Director and has since been instrumental in redesigning new student orientation, directed the curriculum redesign supporting the program's shift to hybrid education, implemented new communication structures for students and faculty, and developed updated simulation curriculum for the program's on-site intensives. Dr. Julien brings over two decades of experience as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and nurse anesthesia educator, having previously held faculty roles at the University of Michigan-Flint and Minneapolis School of Anesthesia. She is dedicated to building a strong, supportive learning experience for nurse anesthesia students as the program evolves to serve students across the country. When not teaching students, Dr. Julien enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and entertaining.
Matthew Roberts, DNAP, CRNA, was born and raised in Alabama and earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama. After beginning his nursing career in Montgomery and Birmingham, he returned to school to pursue nurse anesthesia training in Panama City, Florida, through Florida State University. Following graduation, he returned to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he has practiced as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for nearly a decade, providing anesthesia care across a wide variety of surgical specialties. In addition to maintaining an active clinical practice, Dr. Roberts serves as didactic faculty, where he enjoys mentoring future nurse anesthetists and helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice. Driven by a passion for lifelong learning and professional development, Dr. Roberts completed his Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice degree through the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia, where he also completed the Nurse Educator Track. He further expanded his educational training by earning MTSA's Nurse Educator: Health and Wellness Micro-Credential, which emphasizes evidence-based strategies to promote student well-being, resilience, and academic success within nursing education. His professional interests include trauma anesthesia, advanced airway management, ultrasound-guided procedures, and the education and development of future CRNAs. As both a practicing clinician and educator, Dr. Roberts believes that effective anesthesia education extends beyond mastering technical skills. His teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, sound clinical judgment, professionalism, and the confidence required to provide safe, evidence-based patient care. He is committed to creating a supportive learning environment that encourages students to challenge themselves, develop clinical independence, and prepare for the responsibilities of autonomous practice. Outside of work, Dr. Roberts enjoys spending time with his wife and their two daughters, Olivia and Millie. He values family, lifelong learning, and giving back to the profession that has provided him with countless opportunities for growth as both a clinician and educator.
Michelle Palmer, MSN, CRNA, is a Clinical Coordinator in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia Program at Lincoln Memorial University. She brings more than 24 years of nursing experience, including over 17 years as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) providing comprehensive anesthesia care across a wide range of surgical specialties. Throughout her clinical career, Mrs. Palmer has cared for patients undergoing obstetric, cardiovascular, neurosurgical, orthopedic, pediatric, vascular, gastrointestinal, and general surgical procedures while maintaining a strong commitment to patient safety and excellence in perioperative care. As a staff CRNA, Mrs. Palmer has worked in the hospital and outpatient settings. Prior to entering nurse anesthesia practice, she worked in cardiovascular and neurocritical care, where she developed a strong foundation in the management of critically ill patients. In her current role, Mrs. Palmer coordinates clinical education for DNP nurse anesthesia students, oversees clinical placements and site partnerships, assists faculty with simulation, and mentors students throughout their academic and clinical training. She has extensive experience serving as a preceptor for nurse anesthesia students and is passionate about preparing future CRNAs through supportive mentorship, clinical excellence, and the integration of evidence-based practice into education. Mrs. Palmer earned her Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia from Samford University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Alabama. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a focus on advancing nurse anesthesia education, healthcare quality, and clinical outcomes. She maintains national certification through the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists and is an active member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology and the Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
